MONDAY 11TH SEPTEMBER 2023

Despite Assurances, NNPC, Partners Still Far from Meeting OPEC’s 1.74m Bpd Oil Production Quota

Nigeria recorded 560,000 bpd, 17.3m barrels deficit in August Estimated $1.47bn/N1.12tn gross revenue lost to underproduction in one month

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Despite continuing assurances that Nigeria would soon meet its

Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) oil production quota, the country under-produced to the tune of over 560,000 barrels

per day in August 2023 or about 17.3 million barrels during the period under consideration.

A THISDAY analysis of the latest

data from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), showed that although Nigeria’s production increased

marginally from 1.08 million bpd in July to 1.18 million bpd in August, it was still a far cry from the 1.742 million bpd allocated to the country Continued on page 5

by OPEC. That would leave Africa’s ‘biggest’

Delta, Akwa Ibom, Rivers Lead as 36 States Received N1.51tn Allocation in First Half 2023...Page 6

Monday

www.thisdaylive.com

THE PHOTOGRAPHER PRESIDENT...

TRUTH & REASON

LP: Election Court, APC Must Come Clean over Governing Party’s Imprint on CTC Judgement

L-R: President of The United States of America, Joe Biden taking photo of Director General of the WTO, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (middle) flanked by US National Security Advisor, Mr

Continued on page 5

Tinubu Meets US President Joe Biden, Scholz, Yeol, Modi

Holds audience with World Bank, European Commission presidents Canvasses practical next steps in bilateral relations American leader hails FG’s move to revive Nigeria's economy Applauds ECOWAS’ efforts in Nigerien crisis Tinubu heads to UAE, to discuss visa ban, flight suspension, others

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, met with United States President Joe Biden and three other major counterparts from Germany, South Korea, and India on economic diplomacy and canvassed practical next steps in bilateral relations among the nations.

The meetings held on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in New Delhi were an opportunity for Tinubu to increase economic diplomatic relations at the bilateral and multilateral levels.

Tinubu, who departed New Delhi for Nigeria with a stopover in Abu Dhabi, also held bilateral

talks with United Arab Emirates (UAE) authorities, especially as regards pending disagreement between the two countries.

The president had audience with World Bank and European Commission presidents, and equally canvassed practical steps to improving bilateral relations with countries.

Hailing the federal government’s move to revive Nigeria's ailing economy, Biden also applauded efforts by the Economic Community of West African (ECOWAS) resolve the Nigerien crisis.

A release by the presidential

Continued on page 5

Nigeria Needs 10 Years to Replace 500 Migrating Doctors...Page 8

ON THE SIDELINES OF G20…

Jake Sullivan, Personal Aide to the Okonjo-Iweala Ms Nicole Mensa and others discussing reform of the Dispute Settlement System at the G20 Leaders Summit in India

Abdulsalami: Tinubu’s Govt Inherited Difficult Economy, Security Challenges

We’ll fulfil all promises made

Deji Elumoye and Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

A former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, has urged Nigerians to be realistic with their expectations from the Bola Tinubu administration, because it inherited very difficult situation and challenges, particularly the economy, fuel subsidy removal, and security.

He stated this yesterday in Minna, Niger State, when the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, paid a courtesy visit to him and another former Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida.

Also, yesterday, Vice-President Kashim Shettima, reassured the Nigerian people that their administration would fulfill all promises it made to Nigerians. Shettima gave the assurance yesterday in Argungu, Kebbi State,

to Nigerians, says Shettima Mourns islamic scholar, Sheikh Giro Announces $163m AfDB loan for wheat production

while on a condolence visit to the family of the late Islamic cleric, Sheikh Abubakar Giro.

The Vice President, who visited the family of the late Islamic scholar on behalf of President Tinubu, also hinted that, the administration had obtained a $163 million dollar loan from the African Development Bank to support wheat production, adding that the scheme would be launched soon.

Abdulsalami, who congratulated Tinubu's administration for marking 100 days in office as well as the minister on his appointment, said, "The information portfolio is a tough job, having to market the image of government at a difficult time. I do not, however, doubt your capabilities, considering your media background.

I’m sure you will do well.

“The government faced a very difficult situation and inherited many challenges with the economy, fuel

LP: ELECTION COURT, APC MUST COME CLEAN OVER GOVERNING PARTY’S IMPRINT ON CTC JUDGEMENT

Petition Court (PEPC) and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to tell the truth about the APC watermark found on the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the tribunal’s judgement.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had also urged APC and PEPC to explain whether the governing party had rendered any clerical help to the tribunal.

In a statement, National Publicity Secretary of LP, Obiora Ifoh, observed that the tribunal judgement sent out to petitioners had the watermark of the Tinubu presidential legal team.

Ifoh stated, "Consequent upon the revelation that Certified True Copies (CTC) of the recent judgement by the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) had an imprint:

‘Tinubu Presidential Legal Team’ (TPLT) as its header, Nigerians are curious about such happenstance that has inevitably generated storm and controversy.

"The Labour Party was very disturbed by the delay in releasing the judgement expeditiously, only to be confronted with this befuddlement. The public is equally at pains trying to comprehend what is happening. The onus of explaining and dousing the unfolding controversy rests on the PEPC and the TPLT, the imprint owners.

“Clearly, the header is not a watermark. We note that only some of the petitioners received the same version. In a highly contentious case with dire national interest and

implications, confirming that the PEPC did not confer any advantage, rights, or privileges to any party is imperative.

"This development must be cleared up quickly to avoid conjectures and the belief that something untoward happened. This cannot be the case of another glitch. The unsigned and undated statement issued purportedly by a senior counsel on behalf of the Tinubu Legal Team is misconceived and empty. The senior counsel claimed that the header is a watermark!

"It is not and can never be. Typically, a watermark is a faint imprint or design made on some papers during production and which can be seen when held up to the light. It helps in checking the genuineness of the paper. The senior counsel is responsible for substantiating his claims and should not pass the buck to innocent parties.

"We of the Labour Party place it on record that the counsel who collected the judgement on behalf of our party and our candidate did so long after a representative of Tinubu Legal Team."

LP called “on the PEPC and APC to come clean on the CTC imprint and disclose whose imprimatur is inscribed on the entire judgement.

Nigerians deserve the right to know and are demanding urgent answers."

Atiku had asked PEPC and APC to clarify whether the Tinubu Presidential Legal Team offered any clerical help to the tribunal.

subsidy, and security. Nigerians, as a people, want changes to happen quickly. So, my message to them is they should join hands with the government to overcome these challenges.”

However, fielding questions from reporters during the visit to the two statesmen, Idris noted that paying homage to elders was part of the country's cultural heritage, adding that the fatherly role that Abdulsalami and Babangida provided for the country over the years would continue to be appreciated.

He informed them of the resolve of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to

spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, explained that Tinubu met with the leaders of the four nations, which had been identified as key partners in his economic development diplomacy drive for local investment and wealth creation.

For the leader of Africa's largest economy, a meeting with the number one citizens of Europe's largest economy, Germany, presented a unique opportunity to expand ties of prosperity for the people of Nigeria, with a pragmatic approach towards ensuring the effective execution of agreements struck.

According to the statement, Tinubu said, "It is not, for us, only a matter of designing the financial architecture for an expanded economic partnership. It is also about the practicality of aligning the perspectives of your large-scale manufacturers, such as Volkswagen and others, with the reality of the new incentives my government is putting in place for them to come and prosper across multiple value chains and sectors inside of our country."

Apparently intrigued by the specific economic focus of the president's proposal, German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, responded by acknowledging the mutuallybeneficial nature of an escalation in the scale of economic ties with Africa's largest economy.

Scholz told Tinubu, "Thank you for this important discussion, Mr. President. I can appreciate this opportunity to advance our economic relations. Your market is unique and our companies have history in Nigeria. We acknowledge the business-friendly reforms you have put in place. I am happy to inform you of my desire to visit you in Nigeria in October, which will allow us to carry forward these initiatives."

Tinubu accepted the German

return Nigeria to its path of glory.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is always talking about using our diversity for prosperity, and that is the message the elder statesmen also echoed here. Nigeria is a very diverse country, and we should use that diversity positively for the progress and development of our dear nation,” he said.

At a different parley in Minna, the minister has also assured Nigerians that the current administration would continue to develop policies that promote national values and orientation among the citizens.

Meanwhile, Shettima who was

chancellor's request to visit Nigeria, and proceeded to meet with the leader of Asia's fourth largest economy, South Korea.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol commended the Nigerian president’s regional leadership in democratic tenets and norms.

Yeol said, "I wish to commend your strong leadership, following the peaceful transfer of power to you from your predecessor, and we see a stable country in West Africa that is growing in stature."

Tinubu responded by swiftly steering the discussion towards his economic focus, as he advanced proposals for an enhanced South Korean presence in Nigeria's local manufacturing sector.

He stated, "We will leave nothing hanging. We will finalise what we agree to and we will execute. We will work point by point with you to secure rapidly implementable MoUs across sectors of partnership that will involve the active presence of your biggest firms, not just in terms of Nigerian consumption, but in local Nigerian production, from telecommunications to technology, and oil and gas."

The South Korean president said Nigeria's education, technology and energy sectors were of utmost interest to South Korean investors. He promised to mobilise South Korea’s business community to take advantage of the new Nigerian incentives for local industry.

Tinubu concluded formal discussions at the G-20 summit with the Asian giant and host nation, India, which had invited Nigeria to the meeting, as he met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He told the Indian leader, "There are many lessons our nation can learn from the rapid progress that India has made under your leadership. We see fantastic opportunity between our nations across sectors, such as agricultural

in Argungu, Kebbi State to pay a condolence visit to the family of Giro, said, “I am here on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, who called me from India and directed that I should come to Argungu to commiserate with the family of the respected Sheikh, government and people of Kebbi State and the north in general.

“Late Sheikh Abubakar Giro was a respected scholar. He worked for God, he didn't bother about things of the world. He lived a humble life. May God forgive his shortcomings and grant him eternity."

Speaking at the palace of the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Sumaila

development, but specifically, there is more we can do to advance ICT innovation and the emergence of Blue-Chip FinTech growth in Africa. Nigeria has the local players, who can drive it from the front."

Modi commended the proposal for economic partnership, saying, "Our teams must now stay close in touch to detail our priority areas of up-scaled cooperation with respect to agriculture, defence, industries, capacity building, and even FinTech growth. I see your commitment. We believe there are immense prospects for Nigeria in the UPI (Unified Payments Interface) and we will ensure that we come together and make progress on these fronts very rapidly."

Still on the sidelines of the G-20 summit, Tinubu had substantive informal interactions with Biden; European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen; and World Bank President, Ajay Banga, among many others.

Shedding more light on the meeting between Tinubu and Biden, the US government, in briefing room statements and releases, accessed at www.whitehouse.gov, stated that during the discussion, Biden hailed Tinubu for the steps taken so far to revive Nigeria’s economy since he became president on May 29.

The US president also applauded Tinubu’s role as ECOWAS Chairman with respect to the restoration of democratic governance in Niger Republic and beyond.

The statement said, "President Joe Biden met with Nigerian President Bola Tinubu today on the sidelines of the G20 in New Delhi, India, to reinforce our enduring commitment to the US-Nigeria relationship and to the longstanding friendship between our two countries and peoples.

"President Biden welcomed the Tinubu administration’s steps to

Mohammed, the vice-president re-affirmed the determination of the Tinubu administration to fulfill its promises, particularly in the agricultural sector, adding that food security would receive serious attention from government.

According to him, “We have obtained a $163 million dollar loan from the African Development Bank to support wheat production. The scheme would be launched soon.

“We need 10,000 hectares of land in Kebbi State. But the scheme would be well executed in Jigawa State with a cultivation of 50,000 hectares of land to boost wheat production."

reform Nigeria’s economy and thanked President Tinubu for his strong leadership as the chair of the Economic Community of West African States to defend and preserve democracy and the rule of law in Niger and the broader region. Nigeria’s invitation to the G20 Summit is a recognition of Nigeria’s important global role as Africa’s largest democracy and economy."

Biden had last month formally hinted of his readiness to meet with Tinubu on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, which is expected to hold in New York this month.

The U.S. Presidential Envoy and Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Ambassador Molly Phee, who spoke during a courtesy visit to Tinubu at State House, Abuja, extended an exclusive invitation from Biden to meet Tinubu on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City to advance discussions further in late September. The president accepted the invitation.

Meanwhile, Tinubu, according to another statement by Ngelale, met with the leadership of UAE during a technical stopover in Abu Dhabi, UAE, after his departure from New Delhi.

The meeting was a follow-up discussion to address specific, salient issues within the bilateral relationship after conversations held during a recent visit by the UAE Ambassador to the president at State House, Abuja.

Tinubu addressed lingering bilateral issues, while maximising the opportunity of the stopover to advance his investment promotion objectives with high-level authorities in the public and private sectors of the UAE.

Tinubu was expected to return to Abuja after the bilateral engagement in Abu Dhabi.

DESPITE ASSURANCES, NNPC, PARTNERS STILL FAR FROM MEETING OPEC’S 1.74M BPD OIL PRODUCTION QUOTA

oil producer with a deficit volume of at least 560,000 bpd valued at a gross sum of $1.47 billion or roughly N1.12 trillion in just the month of August, at a conservative $85 per barrel and N765/$ official rate.

Since around the first half of 2020, Nigeria had been unable to meet its OPEC allocation. The country had blamed crude oil theft and massive assets vandalism for its inability to meet the producer group’s quota.

The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Mele Kyari, had in July, admitted that Nigeria was nowhere close to where it ought to be in terms production volume, but went on to make projections.

“Current production is nowhere near Nigeria’s capacity. We had a clear case when during the Covid-19, we had capacity to do close to 2.1 million bpd. So, we know we have the capacity.

“The issues are around the pipeline, and once we are able to

resolve the challenges, then, we can produce higher,” he stated.

Displeased with Nigeria’s persistent excuses, in June, OPEC resolved to reduce the county’s production quota from the current 1.742 million bpd to about 1.38 million bpd in 2024. Nigeria has vowed to review the decision with the cartel’s leadership in November.

“We are more confident to get a new quota than we have at the moment. The country’s target is at the very least, 2 million bpd. And when you add that to the condensate production, you would get a higher number, and of course that would also meet the expectation of the country,” Kyari added. It’s unclear how that would be achieved with the current situation.

In January, the erstwhile Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, had said Nigeria was working towards meeting its OPEC crude oil production quota of 1.8 million bpd at the time, by the end of May 2023. It’s been four

months since the expiry of that date.

“Once we are able to build enough confidence in the security of the pipelines, they (producers) will then be able to inject into the pipelines once again and once that happens, we will be able to meet our OPEC quota. That is where we are going and the early signals are there that we are making very good progress,” Sylva added.

Also in July, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum, Mr. Gabriel Aduda, who oversaw the ministry until the recent appointment of ministers by the Bola Tinubu administration, had assured that between July and November, Nigeria would exceed its OPEC quota.

“It’s every country’s dream to be able to cap and max out on production. And that is what Nigeria is doing at the moment. As we speak, we’re capping at about 1.2 million barrels and that is because of the challenges we’re having, especially with security

challenges in the Niger Delta and what have you.

“But of course, that doesn’t mean that we are stopping at that because we’re working hard to ramp up production. As you’re aware, we have this year about 1.7 million bpd...We’re looking at between now (July) and November to be able to do that” Aduda stated.

Despite the projections, in July, the country’s crude production shrank to a three-month low of 1.081 million barrels per day, on the back of persisting crude oil theft and a leak at the Forcados terminal in the Niger Delta.

With the low volume of oil drilled in July, it would mean that Nigeria failed to produce as much as 661,000 barrels per day during the period.

However, the August data just released by the NUPRC indicated that although most terminals made marginal gains, Brass lost close to 100,000 barrels during the period, falling from 759,456 barrels in July

to 656,024 barrels in July.

Besides, crude oil production from Escravos slumped from 4.777 million barrels in July to 4.62 million barrels in August while at the Odudu terminal, total volume drilled reduced from 2.92 million barrels to 2.91 million barrels.

At the Okoro facility, production fell from 221, 575 barrels in July to 107,306 barrels in August, the same way it slumped from 957,366 barrels in Yoho terminal to 901,163 barrels.

The story was the same in Usan, with production between July and August reducing from 916,284 barrels to 748,200 barrels respectively in both months. Oyo was completely offline in August after it came on stream for the first time in 2023, with 41,841 in July.

At the Jones creeks, production dropped massively from 624,645 barrels in July to 295,349 barrels in August, same with Sea Eagle with a decrease in volume from 561,889 barrels to 442,167 barrels.

In all, when condensates which are excluded from the OPEC monthly computation are included, production during the month was 1.4 million barrels per day in August as against 1.3 million barrels per day in July.

Nigeria, which has had its FX market seriously challenged for years, recently through the NNPC made a move to borrow $3 billion from the AfreximBank. It’s currently unclear what has happened to the deal.

However, there were reports recently that the deal had been stalled because full disclosures as to what the oil-for-debt funds were going to be used for at the time the agreement was signed were not made. The NNPC has not refuted the insinuation.

Nigeria’s FX crisis is made worse because according to latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), crude oil exports account for 80 per cent of the country’s export revenue. The crude production projection in the 2023 budget is 1.69 million bpd.

TINUBU MEETS US PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN, SCHOLZ, YEOL, MODI

BRIEFING THE ELDERS ON ACTIONS TAKEN...

Delta, Akwa Ibom, Rivers Lead as 36 States Received N1.51tn Allocation in First Half 2023

NEITI expresses concern over Osun, Ogun debt-related deductions

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and Peter Uzoho in Lagos

Delta, Akwa Ibom and Rivers States took the lion’s share of the N1.51 trillion statutory Federation Account Revenue Allocations (FARA) to the 36 states in the first six months of 2023, a report by the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) revealed yesterday.

It meant that the 36 states of the federation collected 34.5 per cent of the total N4.37 trillion shared by the three tiers of the government between January and June, 2023, the organisation stated.

In all, NEITI noted that the states received about N817.79 billion from the N2.32 trillion total distributable allocations in the first quarter and N688.2 billion of the N2.04 trillion allocations in the second quarter.

The report showed that a 12 per cent decline in the overall allocation in the second quarter resulted in a 15.8 per cent reduction in the share

to the states in the first quarter, from N817.8 billion to N688.2 billion.

Despite the decline in the overall allocation, the NEITI noted that the share of the states' allocations exceeded the federal government’s when the 13 per cent derivation revenue was added.

Apart from the share of the statutory allocations, the report noted that the nine oil-producing states, namely Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo and Rivers, received additional allocations as their share of the 13 per cent derivation revenue to bring their total receipts to about N869.09 billion.

“On a year-on-year basis, the report showed that when compared with the corresponding period in 2022, allocations to the state governments from the Federation Account in 2023 grew by about 11.2 per cent to N1.42 trillion from N1.26 trillion.

“On a state-by-state basis, the

Lawmaker Urges FG to Extend Local Content Regulation in Oil, Gas to Other Sectors

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

A member of the House of Representatives representating Aguata Federal Constituency of Anambra State, Hon. Dominic Okafor, has advised the federal government to extend the local content Act in the oil and gas industry to other sectors of the economy.

Okafor, who made the call while speaking with newsmen in Abuja, yesterday, said the success and accomplishments recorded in the implementation of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act prompted the clamor for the extension of the law to other sectors.

He was of the opinion that government should encourage indigenous participation in the construction sector, saying no country could develop technologically by depending solely on the expertise of other nationals

The lawmaker urged engineers to always adhere to relevant codes of engineering practice, enforce maintenance of discipline and strict standards of ethics in the practice of the engineering profession in Nigeria.

Okafor, further called on the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN),

to put more measures in place to curtail the activities of quacks in the country.

His words: ''Most of the contracts that are done in oil and gas are done by expatriate companies until the local content Act was put in place such that unless you don't have a Nigerian company that does certain jobs, you don't bring expatriates.

"And what has it help to do? It helped Nigeria to develop capacity in technology transfer. It has helped Nigerian companies to a level.

"But when you say it must be done by a Nigerian company, what Nigeria can do is to partner with some oversea companies."

Okafor, explained that this would not only generate employment opportunities for Nigerians, but would also save the country huge foreign exchange being spent on goods and services already available in the country.

He added: "I don't see why a lot of governors will not patronise Nigeria industry because practice makes perfect. If you do it over and over again, it becomes perfect.

"But in a situation where they all prefer to give the jobs to the known names, they are not helping Nigeria business men to grow."

report showed that Delta state received the largest allocation of N102.79 billion among the 36 states in the second quarter, followed by Akwa Ibom and Rivers states, which received N70.01 billion and N69.73 billion respectively,” the pro-transparency initiative said.

In contrast, NEITI explained that Ekiti, Ebonyi and Nassarawa States received the lowest allocations of N16.95 billion, N16.84 billion and N16.71 billion respectively.

But in terms of debt repayment, the report showed that the deduction from Lagos state topped the 36 states' allocations to service pending debts as a result of foreign loans and contractual obligations such as Irrevocable

Standing Payment Orders (ISPO) and other liabilities standing against each state.

In addition, the report showed that a total deduction of N9 billion from Lagos state allocation in the second quarter of 2023 was the highest, followed by Delta (N6.76 billion), Ogun (N6.10 billion), Kaduna (N5.63 billion) and Osun (N5.6 billion).

On the other hand, Enugu, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Anambra and Jigawa States recorded the lowest deductions of N1.88 billion, N1.51 billion, N1.45 billion, N1.29 billion and N1.16 billion respectively.

After all the deductions, the report showed that Delta state’s net allocation of N96.03 billion

remained the highest, followed by Rivers (N66.81 billion), Akwa Ibom (N64.81 billion), Lagos (N51.61 billion) and Bayelsa (N51.53 billion).

However, the report identified Plateau, Ogun, Osun as the states that had their revenue receipts in the second quarter in the negative and impacted the most by the debt deductions.

“Plateau state, which occupied the 21st position among the 36 states prior to the debt deduction, dropped to the 31st position, while Ogun moved from the 28th position to 35th and Osun from 32nd position to 36th position,” the NEITI report stated.

In terms of the ratio of each state’s deduction from allocation for debt

repayment, the report expressed concern over the situation affecting Ogun, Osun and Cross River States, although it said Rivers, Jigawa and Kebbi states showed strong sustainability capacity.

“While the debt deductions from most of the states’ allocations left them with significant net take-home, at least two states, Ogun and Osun’s debt deductions were above 30 per cent, while the deductions from Cross River and Plateau states allocations were 29 per cent and 28 per cent respectively.

According to NEITI, Imo, Ekiti, Gombe, Kaduna and Bauchi recorded deductions that accounted for almost a quarter of their gross allocations.

PAYE: NSITF, Plateau State Move to Settle Rift over Tax Default

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) and the Plateau State Government have agreed to withdraw their tax dispute from the Tax Appeal Tribunal and subsequently set up a four-man technical committee to resolve the matter.

A statement from the General Manager, Corporate Affairs, of the NSITF, Nwachukwu Godson, said members of the committee included Paul Yakubu and Markus Chollom from the Plateau State Internal Revenue Service (PSIRS) and Kwatmen Mattias as well as Oche Samson of the NSITF.

He said the committee was given a week to deliver on the assignment. Godson, said the NSITF had paid the backlog of Pay As You Earn Tax (PAYE) of its regional

and branch staff members to the tune of N62 million to the PSIRS.

Speaking while receiving the management of the Jos regional and branch offices of the NSITF in his office in Jos, the Executive Chairman of PSIRS, Mr. Jim Pam Waya, commended the new management of the Fund for its renewed commitment to clearing the decade-long arrears of PAYE remittances to the state and accepted a request by the fund for an out of court settlement of the dispute which has been lingering at the Tax Appeal Tribunal.

He further assured that PSIRS would support the NSITF towards the implementation of the Employee Compensation Scheme(ECS) to the benefit of workers in the state.

He expressed dissatisfaction that PSIRS reneged on its one per cent contributions to employee compensation since registering for

the scheme in 2012 and assured the NSITF of redress.

“This social security scheme is for the benefit of workers and their dependents in case of accident or death in the course of work. As the new Executive Chairman of PSIRS, my vision is to reposition it by aligning with programmes that promote our primary service to the state in terms of revenue generation as well as key into schemes such as the ECS which will uplift the welfare of our staff,” he added.

He stated that the PSIRS would revisit its status on ECS and start payment soon.

Earlier in his address, the Jos Regional Manager of the NSITF, Mr. Martins Kuku, called for a working partnership between the two organisations, noting that the NSITF as a responsible social security agency would continue to discharge

its responsibilities to the government and workers in Plateau State. He stressed the need for timely resolution of the argued it was high time the tax dispute between the Plateau State Internal Revenue Service and the NSITF was resolved.

Kuku added, “It is at this instance that I seek the support of your organisation for the resolution of the lingering PAYE dispute between the NSITF and the Plateau State Internal Revenue Service in the interest of harmonious and inter agency cooperation.

“The time is here and the right decision is for us to withdraw the dispute from the Tax Appeal Tribunal for an out of the Court settlement in line with the ILO Convention on social dialogue and especially in the background of the exceptional commitment to obligations by our new Managing Director, Barr. Maureen Allagoa.

Aishah Ahmad, CBN Deputy Governor, Not Under Arrest

The Deputy Governor, Financial System Stability of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mrs. Aishah Ahmad, was not under arrest, a reliable source disclosed yesterday.

According to the source who pleaded to remain anonymous, in the in light of the ongoing investigation into the activities of the CBN, all senior officials of the apex bank were being interviewed

by the DSS and the appointed special investigator.

“The deputy governors are not exempt from this exercise and have all been called upon to provide essential information at different points in time. It is important to emphasise that this is standard procedure aimed at assisting the ongoing probe.”

In a phone conversation with a close family member of the deputy

governor who was not authorised to speak on the matter, the source confirmed and clarified that Ahmad was safe and sound.

"I wish to reassure everyone that Aishah Ahmad is home with her family and not detained by the DSS. She is safe and sound.

“In these times, it is essential to maintain clarity and rely on verified information only. Mrs. Ahmad's cooperation with the

authorities is a demonstration of her commitment to transparency and due process. “It is crucial that the public exercise discretion when evaluating news reports and avoid engaging with unfounded rumours or misinformation.

“The CBN plays a vital role in the nation's economic stability, and it is imperative that the investigative process is allowed to run its course,” the source added.

Minister of Information, Mallam Mohammed Idris during a courtesy visit to former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd) in Minna on Saturday

Minister of Information, Mallam Mohammed Idris during a courtesy visit to former Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd) in Minna on Saturday

8 THISDAY • MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2023

THE SPIRIT OF OUR TREASURES IN HONOUR FOR DR. KOLADE AND CHIEF ANYAOKU...

L-R: Mrs Ebunola Anyaoku; Chief Emeka Anyaoku; Dr. Christopher Kolade and wife, Lydia Kolade during the Nonagenarian Concert & Presentation of the book titled: 'The Spirit of Our Treasures,' in honour of both Kolade and Chief Anyaoku organised by Heritage For Life Foundation in Lagos…recently

Nigeria Needs 10 Years to Replace 500 Migrating Doctors

Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano.

The President of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), Professor

Aminu Muhammad, yesterday, alerted the nation that it would take Nigeria ten years to replace 500 migrating Doctors, who left the country in search of greener pastures

Muhammad, who spoke against the backdrop of findings by the Association from 50 out of 80 chapters confirmed that no fewer than 500 medical personnel had left the shores of Nigeria to the outside world.

Lamenting that the alarming

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

As part of efforts to grease the wheel of development, Osun State Government has entered into an agreement with Global Transactions Nigeria Limited (GTNL) to ensure that telecommunications infrastructure complies with the laws of Osun state, particularly the State of Osun Environmental Protection Law 2022.

The GTNL is empowered to carry out audits, inspections of existing installations within the state, to ensure compliance with relevant regulations and ensure notices, guidelines, and regulations necessary to enforce contravention against owners and developers of installations in breach of regulations are done. GTNL would ensure that all fines and application fees are paid by applicants and persons in breach of regulations.

The appointment of Global Transactions Nigeria Limited was an impressive move to protect the environment and the people of Osun State by Governor Ademola Jackson Adeleke.

The Executive Chairman Mr. Rotimi George Taylor, has promised to ensure that all laws regulating telecommunications and environmental infrastructure in Osun

exodus of specialists out of the country painted a dark future for the health sector, he stressed that statistics available to them, more than five hundred Medical and Consultants have migrated out of the country in search of greener pastures elsewhere. The Professor, who was answering questions from reporters shortly after he read a Communique of the Biennial Delegates Meeting of the Association held in Kano, said, “Nigeria has continued to produce the finest and highest numbers of Clinical experts Graduates, and Postgraduates in Sub-Saharan Africa, who are currently breaking

State were complied with. Meanwhile, Governor of Osun State, Adeleke, will soon commence fixing of long lasting infrastructural projects in the state as part of the promises made to the people of the state.

Speaking over the weekend with THISDAY in Osogbo, former Caretaker Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Dr. Akindele Adekunle, noted that all abandoned projects within the state would be revisited for timely completion.

Adekunle, stressed that roads would also be constructed in all local government areas in the state, while the federal constituencies would equally benefit immensely in the developmental agenda of the state Governor.

He remarked that since the enthronement of the present administration all promises made are being fully implemented.

According to him "Adeleke had surpassed people's expectations considering the situation met on ground because he has done well based on Infrastructural development so far."

Also, Adeleke yesterday congratulated Adekunle, on the occasion of his birthday, extolling his virtues and incredible leadership qualities.

records the world over.”

The communique, however, read: "Medical education is under threat, mainly due to the largest number of specialists and trainers migrating to other climes. The challenges of brain drain in the Health sector have remained unabated with the migration

of highly skilled healthcare professionals, not only out of Africa but, also to neighboring west Africa."

The communique, however, called for a synergy between teaching hospitals, universities, and regulatory bodies, which had contributed to the failure

to optimise the potential for increasing the quality of medical students.

in the Country. "Government is urged to, as a matter of urgency, provide holistic solutions to the challenges of brain drain, which should include an incentive that encourages retaliation of the already depleted health care human resources in Nigeria," he said.

Bank to work with state to develop automotive industrial park, others

The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Anambra State Government to collaborate on state development efforts through the provision of project preparation and advisory services, including a potential debt financing programme of up to $200 million.

Under the terms of the MOU signed by Afreximbank’s Executive Vice President, Intra-African Trade Bank, Mrs. Kanayo Awani and Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Soludo, during the Anambra Investment Summit, Afreximbank and the state government would jointly prioritise strategic projects for preparation and funding, collaboratively evaluating each project to formulate a time-bound work programme for effective execution.

“Afreximbank will work with the state government to establish bankability for key projects, including the Ikenga Mixed-Use Industrial City, the Anambra Export Emporium and the Akwaihedi Unubi Uga Automotive Industrial Park, as well as any other project agreed upon by the parties.

“Afreximbank and the Anambra State Government will also conclude all prerequisite actions necessary for securing a financing programme of up to $200 million from Afreximbank and its affiliated entities for the projects contingent upon conclusion of a substantive agreement between the parties.

In addition, the MoU provides

for the parties to collaborate on trade and investment promotion in Anambra State through the African Sub-Sovereign Governments Network (AfSNET) and facilitate the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement,” a statement explained. It also disclosed that the bank would work with the Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency to provide training and capacity building on trade and investment, undertake investment forums, identify, and prepare strategic trade and investment projects and foster collaboration between subsovereign governments in Africa.

The AfSNET network was expected to facilitate direct exchange of information and peer learning from sub-sovereign governments in Africa.

“Other areas of collaboration covered in the MOU include the provision of transaction advisory services aimed at facilitating the procurement of debt and equity capital. It will also focus on export development advisory, twinning services, and senior debt structuring,” it added.

In an address at the summit, Awani, who spoke on behalf of Prof. Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors, said Afreximbank’s mission aligned seamlessly with Anambra’s industrialisation objectives, including its vision for a smart mega city, noting that the Bank had identified the emergence of industrial parks and special economic zones as a strategic

priority to accelerate Africa’s industrial infrastructure development.

“These facilities do not only optimise capital deployment but also drive economies of scale and nurture ecosystem development,” she said. “They also enable the use of otherwise inaccessible technologies and cutting-edge infrastructure”.

Noting that such projects required substantial funding, she said that innovative partnerships, including public-private partnerships, had emerged as instrumental bridges capable of closing the infrastructure gap that spanned the African continent, adding that the African private sector held immense potential to bolster a wide spectrum of public sector endeavours.

“Just as we have championed the transformative potential of industrial parks and special economic zones across Africa through public and private sector collaboration, committing over $1.5 billion so far to the realisation of these projects, Afreximbank is ready to support Anambra State, as it is doing in Ogun and Abia States (Enyimba Industrial City), to promote similar projects here,” Awani continued.

“With peace and security gradually returning to the state, with our youth beginning to realize that their future cannot thrive in an environment of widespread insecurity, we can look forward to a similar $400 million industrial park project in collaboration with the State.

“It makes business sense to do so, and we have advanced discussions with Anambra State Investment

Promotion and Protection Agency (ANSIPPA) to implement creating over 10,000 jobs while bringing exportoriented businesses to Anambra state,” she added.

The bank, leveraging its fundraising capabilities in Africa’s capital markets, could also raise funds that could be deployed into impactful infrastructure projects in the state using various financing instruments and mechanisms which could be explored with the state government, she added.

Awani, announced that Afreximbank’s broader collaboration with Nigeria had been fruitful over the years and had seen the bank invest over $36 billion into the Nigerian economy since its creation in 1993. Afreximbank flagship projects currently underway in Nigeria include the US$300-million 500-bed Africa Medical Centre of Excellence in Abuja in partnership with King’s College, London, the Afreximbank Africa Trade Centre, also in Abuja, and the Africa Quality Assurance Centre in Shagamu, Ogun State, which is already operational.

She announced that the bank was implementing AfSNET, a platform for sub-sovereign governments throughout Africa to promote economic development and encourage intra-African trade and investment by allowing collaboration between the public and private sectors, facilitating peer learning, and allowing Afreximbank to take its products and services to the grassroots, where trade and investment actually take place.

Afreximbank Signs MoU to Support Anambra State, Foresees $200m Debt Financing

PRESIDENT TINUBU MEETING WITH PRIME MINISTER MODI...

FG Gives United Nigeria Airlines Approval to Fly to US, Netherlands, Italy UAE, Ireland

Airline’s aircraft that overshot runway in Lagos moved to Air Force hangar

Chinedu Eze

The federal government has given emerging domestic carrier,

United Nigeria Airlines approval to operate international flights. A statement from the airline disclosed that approvals from

the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace indicated that the airline would operate international flights to United

Nigerian, Ghanaian Firms Sign MoU to Boost Rice, Wheat, Soybeans Production

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

A Nigerian company and its Ghanaian counterpart have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) towards boosting production of agricultural produce.

The MoU was signed between a Nigerian company, EGTA Investment Limited and a Ghanaian conglomerate, Jospong Group of Companies, at the Ghana High Commission in Abuja, at the weekend.

The MoU was signed under the supervision of the Minister of State for Water Resources, Alhaji Bello Goronyo and Ghanaian Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Eddison Agbenyegah.

Also at the signing of the MoU which was centered on boosting rice farming, wheat, soya beans, yellow corn, and sunflower production, among others, was the President of Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN), Mr. Aminu Goronyo,

Speaking at the event, the Group Managing Director of ECTA, Mr. Bashir Ibrahim, underscored the need for adequate investment towards growth of Africa through cooperation, financial, social and political relationships between African nations.

Ibrahim said: “It is on that basis that the EGTA delegation went to Ghana to negotiate this historic MoU; this led ECTA delegation to Ghana and Jospong delegation to Nigeria.

“To negotiate and come to agreement on this MoU, built on the long standing friendly relations that has existed since independence between Ghana and Nigeria.

“In fact, if there are any two countries that are close to the extent

that event in one country leads to same event in another, it is Nigeria and Ghana.

“So the signing of this MoU is in line with that tradition. The future of Africa depends on this concept of cooperation, financial investment, technical, social, economic, and political cooperation between African nations,” he explained.

He described the agreement between both entities as an extension of the historic relationship between Ghana and Nigeria, noting that EGTA Jospong MoU would cover production of agricultural commodities; and also provide technical, financial and investment cooperation, as well as training and capacity building of Ghanaians in the agriculture ecosystem.

He explained that the agreement was one out of many with other foreign partners made possible by President Bola Tinubu administration’s business-friendly commitment to make private sector key drivers in economic diversification.

Also speaking, George Blavo, who signed the MoU on behalf of Jospong, said the agreement was "basically aimed at lifting people of Ghana from poverty through agricultural development.

Blavo, also Lead Coordinator, Rice Project, said the agreement was in line with Ghana’s agricultural agenda of adding value to the agricultural food chain, food-security, reducing food imports, with private sector as pivotal force.

“We are hopeful this MOU will further strengthen the Nigeria -Ghana bilateral relationship; which must ensure that partnership betwen Ghana and Nigeria is given priority.

“In Ghana, we cherish the long standing relationship between our two countries and it is our hope that this partnership will grow from strength-to-strength, for our mutual benefits,” he said.

He commended Ghana-Nigeria relationship to have been bordered by economic, trade and investment, technology, security and agriculture.

According to him, the ceremony attested to the long standing relationship that existed between both countries.

For his part, Agbenyegah said Ghana seeks to learn best practice from Nigeria, which had since become “Rice Super Power” the country has become one of the leading producers of rice in Africa.

States of America, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Italy, Ireland and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The airline disclosed that a letter from the Ministry dated September 8, 2023, conveying the approval, which was signed by Director, Air Transport Management, Mr. H.T. Ejiburu, and addressed to the United Nigeria Airlines Company Limited, noted that the approval was in line with subsisting Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and each of the aforementioned countries.

The letter stated: "I am directed to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 2nd August 2023 on the above subject and convey the Honourable Minister's approval for the designation of Messrs United Nigeria Airlines Company Limited to operate international flight operations to the undermentioned countries and cities: Netherlands (Amsterdam), Italy (Rome), United Arab Emirates (UAE) (Dubai), United Kingdom

(London), United States of America (USA) (Houston) and Ireland (Dublin).

"The designation of Messrs United Nigeria Airlines Company Limited is in line with the subsisting Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the governments of the six mentioned countries.

"Consequently, the airline is hereby advised to liaise with the Civil Aviation Authorities of the aforementioned countries for documentation prior to commencement of scheduled flight operations. However, you are obliged to comply with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulation (Nig. CARs (2023) Part 18.5.1.1 A-C by taking further steps to liaise with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in fulfilling the requirements if necessary.

"Kindly note that the approval has been communicated to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its further necessary actions."

United Nigeria Airlines,

with Prof Obiora Okonkwo as Chairman, started flight operations in 2021, and operates scheduled flights in major Nigerian cities.

The airline stated that it had earlier obtained approval for regional flights on which it is finalising arrangements to commence regional operations in couple of weeks upon arrival of its additional aircraft from middle of October.

Meanwhile, the United Nigeria aircraft, Embraer E145 that skidded off the runway on arrival to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, last Friday, from Owerri, has been moved to the Nigeria Air Force maintenance facility at the Lagos airport.

The aircraft with registration markings, 5NBWY overshot the runway 18L into 36R Runway Safety Area (RESA) but all the 47 passengers and 4 crew members on board were unharmed and safely evacuated, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) stated in a statement.

NESG Unfolds Agenda for 29th Economic Summit

The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has disclosed that it anchored its 29th summit (NES 29) on ‘Pathways for Sustainable Economic Transformation and Inclusion,’ in light of the urgency of translating economic growth into improved and sustainable living standards for all citizens.

According to a statement yesterday, this year’s summit theme hints at Nigeria’s potential for sustainable development, leveraging innovative policies, robust institutions, strategic infrastructural investments, and human capital development.

It noted that Nigeria was grappling with rising unemployment, income disparity, and multidimensional poverty.

“These challenges are worsened by an uneven allocation of resources,

macroeconomic instability, and institutional deficiencies. Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in 2022 revealed that approximately 62.9 per cent of the population live in multidimensional poverty, threatening the development of a vibrant middle class.

“With population growth outpacing poverty reduction, Nigeria's current trajectory highlights the critical need to prioritise longterm development and shared prosperity,” it added. Despite the ongoing economic challenges, the NESG, however, expressed satisfaction with the current administration’s 8-point agenda targeted at getting Nigeria out of the woods.

It referenced the World Bank’s forecast of an average annual

economic growth rate of 2.9 per cent for the country between 2023 and 2025, underscoring the possibility of positive change with all hands on deck.

In the NESG's estimation, “Technological advancements and their increasing adoption offer glimpses of what can be achieved with the proper mechanisms.

“The change in political leadership also brings the opportunity for fresh ideas and the rectification of economic policies that have weakened the fiscal system.”

The NESG also advocated for constructive dialogue that incorporates the ideas of stakeholders. It assured that NES 29 would build on the legacy of previous summits to nudge the public and private sectors to cocreate solutions that drive shared

prosperity.

“In the context of a new government administration, there is an undeniable need to reinvigorate our efforts to achieve sustainable economic development.

“The 29th Nigerian Economic Summit is not just an annual event; it represents a call for change, a clarion call for renewed commitment, and a dedicated effort to turn our economy around for the better,” it said.

At the recent inauguration of the NESG and Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning’s Joint Planning Committee for NES 29 in Abuja, the NESG had emphasised that the primary goal of this year’s Summit, scheduled to hold from October 23 to 24, 2023, was to enhance the economic agenda setting of the government.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ( L ) and with Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, during Bilateral Meeting with India Prime Minister, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, India.... yesterday

CONFERMENT OF FELLOWSHIPS…

L-R: Director, Human Capital and Administration, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Usman Malah; Director-General, Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS), Issa Aremu; Executive Chairman, Federal Character Commission, Dr. Muheeba Dankaka and Chairman, National Assembly Commission, Ahmed Amshi, during the conferment of Fellowships of the National Institute of Labour on Chief Executives and Heads of human resources of some government agencies at the MINILS’ 40th Anniversary/Founders’ Day and Investitures held in Abuja…recently

UNILAG VC Attributes Hike in Fees to Dwindling Government Funding, Harsh Economic Climate

Funmi Ogundare

The Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, at the weekend, blamed the harsh economic circumstance in the country for the hike in the institution’s fees, saying this had affected the running cost of the institution.

The students had last Wednesday, protested against the hike which led to the arrest of some students by security operatives.

Ogunsola, who briefed journalists via Zoom, a virtual platform, also attributed the increase in fees to dwindling

government funding and that it could no longer cope with what it used to have.

She explained that the university spends so much on hostel maintenance, electricity and internet connection, yearly conduct and verification of results, accreditation of programmes, as well as logistics of hosting people who come for accreditation.

According to her, "apart from electricity bill which is about N1.7 billion per annum, we verify results by examination bodies which comes to about N3,500 to N5,000 per student.

“We conduct examination which cost is about N80 million

Ademoye, Afolabi, Ekpeyong, Other Nollywood Stars Join The Grid Management

As part of its opening announcements, The Grid Management, a full service management agency, has disclosed some of the stars they represent.

According to a statement, these include veteran actor Keppy Ekpeyong Bassey, Bimbo Ademoye, Efa Iwara, Nollywood sweetheart Nonso Afolabi, acclaimed photographer, Emmanuel Oyeleke, awardwinning kid actress; Darasimi Nadi, amongst others.

“This comes as part of the much needed change in the creative industry, where it has long been observed that creatives and talents do not get proper representation, nor appropriate value for their input,” the statement explained.

It quoted the Chief Operating Officer at The Grid Management, Winnie Okpapi, to have stated that the mission was to put creatives first, and provide them the best opportunities in the entertainment and film space, in Africa.

“Not only this, but we offer our talents, and others, a wide range of value added services, to ensure they can focus on

being their best selves.

“Across film, television, music, and beyond, we aim to represent many of Africa’s leading actors, directors, writers, producers, fitness experts, Influencers, comedians and event hosts.

“In service to them, we are committed to revolutionising the creative scene by being the most ingenious service company in Africa,” she further said.

“Looking at the talents currently represented by The Grid Management, a pattern emerges; everyone here is not only laser-focused on building their craft, they are steadily winning our hearts, on and off camera.

“It is safe to say, these talents are in safe hands. And with the value added services that The Grid offers, which include, asset management, retirement solutions, travel & vacation solutions, health insurance, personal styling and branding, it is not rocket science to see why they have chosen The Grid.

“We will keep our eyes on them as this story unfolds and the industry continues to evolve,” it added.

per year and in addition, each of the faculty incur another N3 million to N5 million, so we have about N40 million annually.

"We also do accreditation and N62 million is paid for accreditation of our programmes and sometimes when new programmes commences. Other cost includes the logistics of hosting people who come for accreditation, which comes to about N100 to N200 million every year, work-study programme and indigent students scheme, among others."

The VC stated that students

of the institution used to pay N19,000, but the management fixed new fees at N190,250, for those studying Medicine, while for courses that required laboratory and studio, the students are to pay N140, 250. Programmes that do not require laboratory and studio, she added, were fixed at N100, 750.

Ogunsola said the university had maintained its fees for 15 years without increment, adding that the management had in January this year, made the move to adjust the fee and held a parents' forum to brief its stakeholders and unions

on the issue.

"It was decided at the meeting that the fee increase should be announced in July so that the council can ratify it," she added.

Ogunsola, however expressed concern that the council was dissolved before then, and petrol subsidy was removed which worsened the situation.

"The issue of price increase started since January and we discussed it with the university council and the idea was to look at all our fees that we have been charging and look at how we could increase it

so that we could come to the prevailing rate because it was very clear that we were always falling back on our obligations.

“We had a committee set up to look at all the bills we paid and we had mountains of debts as well, but when we looked at all the bills, it was very clear that we had to increase to meet our obligations."

Ogunsola stated that it would continue to work on improving on its ability to mitigate the impact of the hike in fees in students, staff and parents, adding that no student would drop out as a result of it.

UN Commits to Invest in Development of Green Economy Skills among Youth

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The United Nations Inter Agency Group on Youth has reassured of its commitment to investing in young people in the area of green economy to ensure that attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This was made known at a discussion organised by the UN Information Centre (UNIC), in Abuja, at the weekend, to equip young people with skills for the green economy.

The event with the theme: “Green skills for youth: towards a sustainable world,” was put together to commemorate the 2023 International Youth Day.

Speaking at the occasion, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Resident Representative, Ms. Gifty Addico, said dialogue among youths had shown that sustainable green economy had become important in line with global environmental challenges.

Addico said: “As the world shifts to greener future, green skills are cornerstone of this transition, serving as tools

that empower individuals to champion a resource efficient society.

“We are ensuring every interaction brings us closer to sustainable Nigeria, led by youth equipped with right skills.

“Our commitment to safeguarding the rights and well-being of our youths are embodied in transformative results ending preventable maternal deaths, ending unmet need for family planning, ending gender-based-violence and all harmful practices.

“We are committed to advocating for the rights of young people, empowering them with knowledge and skills to not only protect themselves but enable them make informed decisions.

“So they can realise their full potential and contribute to economic and social transformation.”

On her part, the Deputy Representative of UNICEF, Rownak Khan, described the event as apt as it would further add to resources at ensuring shared future for young people.

She noted that UNICEF remained grateful not just to

have chaired the Inter Agency Group, but committed to ensure sustainable future for Nigeria youths.

Khan said: “It is important to come together to build a sustainable future for young people and the green skills basically is very important

“Putting the lens of a climate resilient to work, sustainable employment and sustainable environment as well.

“This is a unique opportunity for all of us to provide adequate skills, so that the skills can be used for them to ensure a resilient future for the next generation.”

For his part, UNFPA Focal Aide for Youth, Mr. Babatunde Adelekan, said the discussion was initiated to inspire youths become skilled in green economy.

He said: “We intend to achieve this by giving young people the necessary information and linking them up with the ecosystem.

“Through opportunities, through training and building up skills, where they are able to utilise the various opportunities that are available.

“The green revolution is

something that we must quickly tackle as a country, so that our vibrant, agile youths will be able to harness their full potential.”

Meanwhile, the National Project Officer, Social Protection and Youth Employment, International Labout Organisation (ILO), Segun Tekun, described climate as major problem that hinder development of young people.

He said: “We agreed that climate change is a problem and that young people are the ones mostly impacted by it, we also agreed that there is the need for us to transit to the green economy.

“To transit to the green economy we need to create green jobs, the. In carrying out those jobs we need green skills,”

Highpoint of the event was video presentation on green economy, U-report results on green skills and climate change. There was also discussion centered on what green skills are, why they are important, green jobs, market development, requirement and career transition.

CORONATION AND PRESENTATION OF STAFF OF OFFICE CEREMONIES…

Obasanjo: I Praise Adeleke for Being Dancing, Working Governor

Rallies support of Ooni, others for Osun governor

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

Former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has lauded the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, for proving his critics wrong by being a dancing but hard working governor in the governance of the state.

In his address at the 16th Harvest Anniversary and Thanksgiving Service held at the Love of Christ Generation Church in Victoria Island, Lagos State, Obasanjo cited the governor as an example of a leader, who was not ashamed to praise God despite occupying highest office in the state, saying dancing and working for God and the people were things to be

proud of.

"Mr. Governor, they call you a dancer. But you are dancing to praise God. And I heard you are working hard for your people," Obasanjo, who spoke in Yoruba language affirmed.

In an event attended by the Ooni of Ife, His Majesty, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi; the Publisher of Ovation Magazine, Aare Dele Momodu; Osun State House of Assembly Speaker, Hon. Adewale Egbedun and members of the state’s House of Assembly; top political and traditional rulers, Obasanjo said, "Dancing to praise God is praise worthy especially with the reports of good developments happening in Osun State.

"God whom you are praising

will shower his blessings on your state and government. I associate with you. Again, I learnt you are a listening leader. They said you take advice from the young and old. I am happy to hear that.

"I call on His Majesty, the Ooni of Ife and other royal fathers to support the governor to deliver more. Mr. Governor, continue to work closely with traditional rulers, elders and stakeholders of your state.

"I charge Kabiyesi Ooni to always host closed door meetings with the governor. God whom the governor is praising will continue to support him. He will not fail," Obasanjo concluded.

Speaking, Adeleke said his habit of praise worship was to

celebrate the owner of heaven and earth, saying, "I am never ashamed to hold unto God through song and dance.

"Several men and women of God predicted my governorship. I am here to praise God for the prophecy that has come to pass. My communion with God is to come back to thank and praise him.

"I do this in several places of worship. My covenant with God is also to truly deliver dividends of democracy to my people. In 100 days in office, I did what many could not achieve in four years.

"We reformed the public service, attended to workers’ welfare, constructed and reconstructed over

Report Ranks Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta, Cross Rivers Low on Budget Transparency in South-south

Edo, Akwa Ibom improve

Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa

A new report unveiled at the weekend by a nongovernmental organisation, the Civil Resource Development and Documentation Centre (CIRDDOC) has revealed that four out of the six states of the south-south region ranked poorly in terms of transparency and accountability in budget and procurement process.

The report, titled, “South-South States Budget Transparency Index 2022,” was launched at the Bayelsa Accountant-General Conference room in Yenago, by the CIRDDOC with support of UKAID, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

It revealed a decline in the average degree of public availability of budget documents in the six states of the region.

It showed that states such as Akwa Ibom and Edo were

relatively transparent and provided some considerable amount of budget information to the public, as they scored 60 per cent.

Others such as Rivers, Bayelsa, Cross River and Delta recorded below the average score (43%) scoring 37 per cent, 42 per cent and 25 per cent respectively.

In the area of public availability of budget documents, the table showed that Edo State topped the South-south index scoring 72 per cent in 2022, moving from 48 per cent in 2020. This was followed by Akwa Ibom State that scored 76 per cent in 2020 and 64 per cent in 2022.

Furthermore, it showed that Cross River State in coming third, scored 47 per cent in 2022, from 39 per cent in 2020. Three states performed from the average score and above in the 2022 survey.

While Bayelsa, Delta and

Rivers performed below the average with the scores of 38 per cent, 20 per cent and 17 per cent respectively.

The public participation index also showed that Cross River and Akwa Ibom performed above the national average of 28.42 per cent. However, Akwa Ibom, Edo and Rivers states in the 2022 survey showed a downward trend from the 2020 survey.

The survey further revealed that Bayelsa and Delta States performed below the national average.

The Zonal Coordinator of the CIRDDOC, Dr. Tubo Pearce Okumoko, in his analysis, explained that the result of the survey was drawn from over 94 questions asked from officials of the states' Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning," adding that some of the problems are issue of uploading of budget information untimely and some

documents were not uploaded " He recommended that there, “should be legal framework/ foundations for all financial transactions of government, the administrative and regulatory frameworks for the management of public finance should be in the public domain."

Most of the representatives of the States including the Bayelsa Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Alameiseigha Akpoebide, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Felix Asingbi, agreed to the self-appraising nature of the survey and promise improvement.

The Permanent Secretary, Felix Asingbi, said "In Bayelsa, the issue of transparency and accountability in budget planning is given serious attention. For us, whether rated low or high, we will continue to work on participatory budgeting."

40 kilometers of roads, implemented free medical surgeries with more than 40,000 beneficiaries.

"We are working on super overhead bridges to ease connectivity. We are reforming

the education sector. We are building up our agriculture sector. I am working to make Osun State a reference point. I seek your prayers. I solicit your support. We are committed to God and the people," he said.

Uzodimma Inaugurates Oguta General Hospital Named after Late Nzeribe

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has honoured late Sen. Francis Arthur Nzeribe, a son of Imo State and of Oguta extraction by naming the newly inaugurated 42-bed General Hospital in Oguta after the deceased politician.

The governor appealed to the traditional rulers and stakeholders from the area to ensure that the facility was protected.

Besides naming the hospital Senator Arthur Nzeribe Memorial General Hospital, Oguta, the Governor also used the opportunity of the inauguration to commission a bridge linking the Oguta community to the late politician's house as part of the honour done him.

In an elaborate ceremony at the old Oguta General hospital where the brand new one was built the Governor said, "honouring past heroes of Imo State like Senator Arthur Nzeribe became necessary since he showed the way and others followed."

Addressing the enthusiastic crowd that trooped out to grace the occasion, Uzodimma expressed joy that, "for once the three Local Governments Oil Producing areas of Ohaji/Egbema, Oguta and Oru East are having General hospitals built through the 13 per cent oil derivation as enshrined in the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic as amended."

He regretted that instead of the 13 per cent oil derivation money becoming a blessing to the communities, "the reverse was the case, as more often than not, the inhabitants of oil producing areas were not well taken care of."

He decried the fact that for more than 24 years of the birth of the 13 per cent oil derivation law, "evidence has shown that in all the years, nothing in terms of development

of the environment and the people is pointed at anywhere, rather the people are allowed to suffer and the youths blackmailed and neglected and even tagged criminals."

Uzodimma explained: "As a result of the neglect of the youths, all we get from the areas are thuggery, banditry, and nobody bothers to know the root cause of the bad behaviours of the young men.

"Instead of the leaders in the areas coming out clean and being vocal to give reasonable answers on the bad behaviours of the youth, they hide under the peanuts they receive from the oil companies to deny their people their rights.

"Any nation that is not interested to provide sufficient welfare for her youths upbringing and development, that nation is doomed to fail."

He reiterated that when he became Governor of Imo State in 2020, he looked at the parlous situation and vowed that the narrative must change, insisting that, "our young men and women must be carried along and the oil producing communities deserving of the best and must get it."

Uzodimma said to achieve common good it occurred to him that, "the only way to provide a proper welfare package to the oil producing youths, men and women is by teaching them how to fish and not by dashing them fish.”

The governor said on understanding the root cause of the problem, "a comprehensive assessment of all that is concerned is to establish and reduce the infrastructural deficit in the area," noting that "this can only be by establishing those things that will elongate their lives and make them feel that actually oil is being produced in their area."

L-R: Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, the new king of Tarakiri Kingdom, Dr. Seiyifa Koroye, and his wife, Grace Koroye, during the coronation and presentation of staff of office ceremonies at Ebedebiri community in Sagbama Local Government Area on Saturday

SPECIAL AGRO-INDUSTRIAL PROCESSING ZONES IN ABUJA...

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Ministry of Finance Investments(MOFI),Dr.Armstrong Takang; National Project Coordinator, Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ),Dr. Kabir Yusuf; Director General, Nigeria Country Department, African Development Bank(AFDB), Mr. Lamin Barrow; Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed; Senior Special Adviser to the President on Industrialization AFDB, Professor Banji Oyelaran Oyeyinka; and Governor of Taraba State, Agbu Kefas during the Inception Workshop of SAPZ Phase 2 in Abuja…. yesterday.

CORRIGENDUM: This picture was published last week Friday but we have since found out that it carried the wrong caption. We regret the mix-up. We have republished it today with the correct caption for the records.

Ogun: Daniel’s Plaza an Illegal Structure, Contravenes Our Laws

James Sowole in Abeokuta

Ogun State Government, yesterday, said DATKEM Plaza, Ijebu Ode, said to belong to the wife of a former governor of the state, Mrs Olufunke Daniel, was an illegal structure without an approved plan.

The structure, the state government added, also contravened its physical planning laws.

DATKEM Plaza was early yesterday, allegedly vandalised by suspected hoodlums, but the act, according to an aide of Daniel, was carried out by thugs

sponsored by the incumbent governor, Dapo Abiodun.

The government, in a statement by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr Olayiwola Abiodun, said the structure violated the building codes of the state with numerous defects.

He said several efforts made by the state government to halt further development on site were ignored by the developers, adding that, government officials requested the structural engineer in charge of the building to avail the state of the structural

NAFDAC to Inspect

614 Herbal Medicine Producers’ Facilities

Onyebuchi

Ezigbo in Abuja

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has disclosed that it has mapped out plans to inspect the facilities of 614 herbal medicine outfits nationwide.

It said the move was to take the herbal medicine practice to a greater height, such that products would be globally acceptable and competitive in the international market.

A statement by NAFDAC's, Resident Media Consultant, Sayo Akintola, quoted the Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, as having stated this in her message to commemorate the 2023 International Traditional Medicine Day, last Friday.

Adeyeye, said guidelines for the Good Manufacturing Practice in herbal medicine production had been prepared by the agency, adding that the agency was working on series of training for the practitioners to get them accustomed to the guidelines.

According to her, officers of the agency would thereafter commence vigorous inspections of facilities to ascertain the level of preparedness of the herbal practitioners in the business after the training.

Based on the training they would receive, she said, “we will be able to make sure that they follow the guidelines to the letter,” stressing that NAFDAC

would pass down the knowledge of the guidelines to the over 614 herbal medicines facilities in Nigeria.

The DG explained that the facilities have been divided into zones, with NAFDAC’s staff across the federation to be deployed for the exercise.

“In the South-west, our staff in Lagos, Ibadan, and Ogun will be deployed for the exercise. Likewise, people in the north, south-south and other zones”, she said, noting that deploying NAFDAC staff in each zone for the job would reduce the cost on the agency.

Adeyeye disclosed that the stakeholder’s training would start with Lagos, which has over 317 facilities, noting that, “we can’t enforce the rules when we have not taught them what to do.”

She said after the training the herbal practitioners would be given about a month or two to get themselves ready before the agency’s staff visit them for inspection, adding that, “anyone who is not functioning well will either have his facility shut or placed on hold.”

Adeyeye commended efforts of herbal medicines manufacturers across the country for their resilience, noted with a sense of pride the foray of several herbal formulations at the clinical trial preparatory to getting approval for NAFDAC registration number.

equilibrium of the building, a request reportedly ignored.

The statement recalled the various incidences of building disasters across the country, adding that the Ogun State Government would not fold its arm and allow any such occurrence.

It noted that many disasters

such as fire outbreaks at Ikorodu, led to the loss of precious lives, adding that, what the government did in partially pulling down the defective building was to be proactive.

The government challenged the owners of the structure to produce evidence of government’s approval in their possession.

It said for a commercial building of that status, there must be parking space to accommodate vehicular traffic within and outside the facility for workers and visitors. The provision of the law is for 45 to 50 per cent of available land for construction as a buildable area.

The permanent secretary

added that the building lacked stage certification, which was usually issued at every stage of construction, but that the owners were served the necessary notices, including abatement, contravention, stop work and demolition between May and October 2022, which were ignored.

Oyetola: We’ll Effect Necessary Reforms at Shippers' Council

Kasim Sumaina in Abuja

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, weekend, assured the Nigerian Shipper's Council that the federal government would look into their challenges and effect necessary reforms, where needed for the success of the Blue Economy agenda of the current administration.

Oyetola added that the government would continue to provide conducive working environment for the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) that would facilitate the disposal of overtime cargoes at all the ports in the country and pave the way for effective and efficient service delivery.

The minister, who was pleased with the contributions and level of achievements recorded by the management of the council, however, decried

the deplorable condition of the ports, saying, "the rots and cracks in the ports’ infrastructure, over-staying of cargoes at the ports, excesses of foreign fishing firms were discouraging".

Oyetola, in a statement in Abuja by the Ministry's Director of Press, Henshaw Ogubike, noted that long bureaucratic processes were major factors responsible for elongated cargo clearance time, thereby frustrating shippers and leading to the jettisoning of their containers at ports.

He promised to engage the leadership of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on the issue of abandoned cargoes at the ports in a bid to evacuate overtime cargoes and address other bottlenecks.

Speaking earlier in his welcome address, Executive Secretary of the NSC, Emmanuel

Jime, highlighted issues requiring urgent attention to include the amendment of NSC Act to institute effective port economic regulation.

In addition, Jime said the NSC was a laboratory, where policy-making that drives the marine space was being regulated, adding that its objective was to ensure that Nigeria was the Maritime Hub in the sub- Western Region.

The NSC boss disclosed that the actualisation of one-percent (1%) freight stabilisation fee on import and export to Shippers Council as enshrined in the NSC Subsidiary Legislation; implementation of the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN); and the establishment of a National Fleet, among others were the current concerns of the council.

He expressed his confidence in the administration of the new

minister, adding that Oyetola had so far displayed passion towards creating impact in the maritime sector.

Oyetola, who also visited the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), where the Acting Registrar, Chinyere Uromta appealed to the him to reconsider the federal government's decision to exclude CRFFN from the National budgetary allocation, emphasising the crucial roles the Council played in the freightforwarding sector.

According to her, CRFFN has brought so much sanity in the logistics of supply chain subsector and the Nigerian shipping industry. Hitherto, the era was characterized by missing cargoes.

Responding, the minister commended the Council's efforts and expressed willingness to consider their request.

Non-Serving Senators Commend PEPT for Affirming Tinubu’s Victory

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

A group of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Non-Serving Senators, yesterday,commended Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT) for affirming the victory of President Bola Tinubu and the Vice-President Kashim Shettima in the 2023 Presidential Election.

The group, totalling 104 persons, gave the commendation in a statement by its Convener, Senator Basheer Lado in Abuja.

They congratulated Tinubu and Shettima and expressed

hope that the development would usher in a new level of progress and prosperity in the country.

The former lawmakers urged Nigerians to rally round the administration of Tinubu and Shettima to address challenges facing the country and build a brighter future for all citizens.

“The APC Non-Serving Senators Group commends the members of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT) for their exemplary dedication and thorough deliberation that led to the landmark ruling.

"The verdict affirmed the victory of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima in the recent presidential election. This ruling by the PEPT reaffirms the trust and confidence that Nigerians have in the judiciary as the bedrock of our democracy.

“The commitment to upholding the rule of law and delivering a just decision is commendable, and it strengthens our democracy. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim

Shettima on this significant victory.

“Their leadership has been resolute and visionary, and we have no doubt that their administration will usher in a new era of progress and prosperity for our great nation.

“The APC Non-Serving Senators Group urges all Nigerians to rally behind President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima as we work together to address the challenges facing our nation and build a brighter future for all citizens.”

As Tinubu Wins First Round of Legal Battle...

After over five months of fierce legal battle, the election petition tribunal has affirmed the February 25, 2023 election of President Bola Tinubu, writes Alex Enumah

The legal battle over the rightful occupant of the number one seat of power in Nigeria temporarily came to an end on September 6, 2023, following the verdict of a five-member election Petition panel that Asiwaju Bola Tinubu was lawfully elected President of Nigeria.

Five out of the 16 contestants at the February 25, 2023 presidential poll had approached the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal for an order nullifying the victory of Tinubu at the poll.

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Professor Yakubu Mahmood, had on March 1, declared Tinubu winner of the presidential poll, on the grounds that he won majority of the lawful votes cast at the polls.

According to the Commission, Tinubu had polled a total of 8,794,726 lawful votes to emerged victorious. He was closely followed by Atiku, with a score of 6,984,520 and Obi 6,101,533 votes to come 2nd and 3rd respectively.

Displeased with the declaration, the five political parties and their presidential candidates which included the Action Alliance (AA), Action People’s Party (APP), Labour Party (LP) and its presidential candidate Mr Peter Obi, Allied People’s Movement (APM) and

the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and its presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar Atiku, had approached the tribunal to argue and prove that Tinubu did not win majority of lawful votes as claimed by the electoral umpire. They submitted that as at the time Mahmood announced Tinubu as winner, collation was ongoing since many of the presidential election results were yet to be uploaded unto the INEC’s Results Viewing (IReV) Portals.

They also accused INEC of manipulating the process to favour the ruling APC and Tinubu.

Besides the grounds of substantial non-compliance upon which the petitioners are seeking the nullification of the presidential poll, others are that INEC violated the law when it declared Tinubu who did not score 25% of votes cast in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as winner, in addition to claims that Tinubu was not qualified to contest on account of alleged forfeiture of the sum of $460,000 to the United States of America over alleged complicity in drug related offences.

In addition, they submitted that Tinubu was not qualified to contest the poll because he breached the electoral law when his then Vice president nominee knowingly allowed himself to be nominated for more than one position; lied on oath over his alleged dual citizenship and his academic qualifications.

They had all filed their separate petitions by March 21, the time stipulated by law, but while the AA and APP withdrew their petitions during the pre-hearing session, the LP, APM and PDP had continued all the way till judgment was delivered last week.

In their unanimous verdict, the justices affirmed the election of Tinubu as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, shortly after they dismissed the three separate petitions filed by Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Peter Obi of the Labour Party and the Allied People’s Movement (APM).

The panel led by Justice Haruna Tsammani haven held that the case of the three petitioners “are devoid of any merit”, said, “I affirmed the return of Bola Tinubu as duly elected President of Nigeria”.

In the over 12 hours judgment, the panel held that the petitioners all failed to prove allegations of irregularities, malpractices, corrupt practices,

substantial non-compliance, among others.

According to the justices, Obi, Atiku and APM failed to establish beyond reasonable doubts claims of substantial non-compliance, irregularities, corrupt practices among others. Specifically, they held that neither Atiku nor Obi was able to prove alleged incidents of over voting, manipulation of results and other anomalies in their petitions.

On the issue of alleged non-compliance, the panel dismissed claim by Obi and Atiku that the election that produced Tinubu did not comply with the Electoral Act, 2022, on grounds that results of the election were not transmitted real time to the INEC’s Results Viewing (IReV) portals. It was the position of the Justices that the Electoral Act, 2022 did not say election must be electronically transmitted for collation. They pointed out that Sections 14&18 of the Electoral Act provides for the use of the Bi-modal Verification Accreditation System (BVAS) for the purpose of accreditation of voters, emphasizing that the “IReV is not a collation system”.

What Mbah Has Going for Him as Enugu Governor

Lawrence Madu explains why Ndi Enugu preferred Peter Mbah of the Peoples Democratic Party to Chijioke Edeoga of the Labour Party As Enugu state Governor

As a lawyer, one would expect that having canvassed his case against the victory of Governor Peter Mbah of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before the Enugu State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, the Labour Party (LP) candidate in the 18th March 2023 governorship election, Chijioke Edeoga, would naturally wait for the verdict of the court. But he has, in clear contempt of court, been granting interviews, issuing incendiary statements, maligning Mbah, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), among others, while also trying to railroad the tribunal.

Edeoga and his likes - Amanze Obi, Achilleus-Chud Uchegbu, Dan Onwukwe, Chuks Akunna, Aniebo Nwamu, and Ikem Okuhu, among others - have also been on rampage, befuddling clear facts and categorically ruling on a matter before the court.

To them, justice is only served if Edeoga wins at the tribunal.

Apart from their worn out fallacious claims about Mbah’s National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate, which fell flat at the tribunal, Edeoga and his recruits have been peddling some illogicality to confuse non-Enugu indigenes or residents, who do not understand the dynamics that informed the electoral choices of Ndi Enugu in the 2023 poll.

One of such beer parlour arguments is that since LP won seven out of the eight House of Representatives seats and two out of the three senatorial seats during the 25th February Presidential and National Assembly elections, Edeoga could not have lost in the governorship polls. This is a lazy and desperate man’s logic. Dynamics that inform voters’ choices vary from one election to the other.

Despite winning in Katsina State in the 2003, 2007, and 2011 presidential elections, Muhammadu

Buhari’s wide cult followership in the North could not help the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) win the governorship seat in those election cycles.

The PDP lost the three senatorial seats and eight House of Representative seats in Adamawa State in 2019, but Ahmadu Fintiri still won the governorship election.

In the same 2019, PDP won just one out of the 14 House of Representatives seats and lost the three senatorial seats in Oyo State. Yet Seyi Makinde won the governorship election. And he was re-elected in 2023 despite PDP securing only three of the 14 House of Representatives seats and losing the three senatorial seats again.

Way back in 1992, Sir Michael Otedola won the Lagos governorship election on the platform of the National Republican Convention (NRC) despite having no member in the State House of Assembly.

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has occupied the Anambra State Government House since the years of Peter Obi, but always struggles to win National Assembly seats.

It is hypocritical to ascribe the electoral tsunami that happened in Enugu State and other South Eastern states on 25th February to the popularity of the LP candidates, who, by the way, were mostly PDP members who lost out in the PDP primaries and ported

to the LP. Truth is that Peter Obi was the single most important factor that swayed votes in favour of the LP in 25th February election. Ndigbo, across party lines, decided to make a statement by supporting Obi and LP candidates naturally benefitted immensely from that tsunami on that day. The Church, particularly the Catholic Church, and almost every group were in it and people were vouched to vote LP all the way to reduce mistakes that could arise in handling three ballots on the same day. That was how some paper weight politicians like Chief Okey Ezea (Ideke) won an election after 20 years of trying since 2003. I will shortly revisit an additional reason former governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi lost to him.

The governorship election was however a different kettle of fish. First, in an election in which voters had grown weary of perennial politicians, who have built nothing else and have only political offices and patronages to their names, Peter Mbah was in a class of his own. His antecedents and pedigree as an entrepreneur, who would bring private sector mentality to governance stood him out.

-Madu writes from Oji River, Enugu

Mbah

Tinubu

Atiku

Obi

FOCUS

Herbert Wigwe’s Unwavering Commitment to Nigeria’s Transformation

Peter Uzoho

In line with his commitment to Nigeria’s transformation, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc, Mr. Herbert Wigwe, recently announced a collaboration with the Lagos State Government under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to create numerous opportunities that would not only shape the city, but also have impact across Nigeria and Africa.

During a recent visit to the African Export–Import Bank’s (Afreximbank) headquarters in Cairo, Egypt, top executives from Access Holdings led by Wigwe, had strategic meetings and explored partnership opportunities for financing various infrastructure projects of the Lagos State Government through Access Bank Plc.

The move further solidified Wigwe and the organisation’s commitment to transforming lives and shaping the future.

Some of the major projects that Access Holdings would be investing in through Access Bank include the Fourth Mainland Bridge, the second phase of the Blue Line rail, the Omu Creek Project, Lekki-Epe International Airport, and the Lagos Food Systems and Logistics Hub in Epe.

The collaborative effort between Access Holdings and the Lagos State Government aims to transform the city, the country, and ultimately change the face of Africa.

At the meeting, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos expressed excitement about the partnership.

Wigwe has continued to offer valuedriven leadership as well as the muchneeded collaboration with managers of Nigeria’s economy. He is no doubt one of the most respected bankers on the continent, without a shadow of a doubt as Access Bank under his watch went from a lower ranked Nigerian bank when he was the Deputy CEO to become one of Africa’s leading financial services groups.

He has shown a relentless pursuit for growth, but in a measured and calculated manner.

Today, Access Holdings Plc is a leading multinational financial services group that offers a wide range of services including commercial banking, lending, payment, insurance, and asset management.

As Access Holdings continues to grow, it remains committed to delivering sustainable economic growth that is profitable, environmentally responsible, and socially relevant. With its focus on client solutions and innovative advice, Access Corporation has become a worldclass African financial institution over the past 26 years.

Indeed, the partnership between Access Holdings and the Lagos State Government signals a transformative collaboration that would bring numerous benefits and opportunities to the city, Nigeria, and the larger African continent.

With their combined expertise and resources, they are poised to create a lasting impact on the infrastructure and economic landscape.

The bank’s commitment to sustainable economic growth is commendable. By focusing on profitability, environmental responsibility, and social relevance, the bank is not only contributing to the overall well-being of the economy but also making a positive impact on the environment and society. It’s essential for businesses to prioritise these aspects to create a more sustainable and equitable future.

Access Holdings, under the leadership

of Wigwe, prides itself in the fact that it serves well over 52 million unique customers, which is different from Access Bank’s accounts.

By 2027, driving by Wigwe’s expansionist plan, Access Holdings expects its Nigerian bank to be contributing about 52 per cent of revenues compared to about 82 per cent (nine- month 2022).

According to Wigwe, “Our primary focus on trade is to leverage established presence across trade and financial hubs across the world to continue driving trade outputs. Presence in London, Dubai, Hong Kong, Lebanon, Beijing, Mumbai, etc. and extensive footprint across the continent.

“Today, we have an operation in China, which we are going to convert into a branch because the new ordinance allows us to do that because of our size.

“As part of our desire to position ourselves as Africa’s gateway to the world, we have now basically placed ourselves in the critical trade hubs across

the continent and that has helped us as far as a correspondent banking and payment is concerned.”

Speaking further, Wigwe said, “We don’t want to be seen and known as just a dot in any country. So, if you go to countries like Mozambique, we have done further acquisitions. People keep asking: why are you doing all of these? But you need to get to the critical mass before you become profitable.

“You need to get to the critical mass before you are able to employ the right management, technology and scale, otherwise you cannot compete.

“One of the things we want to be known as, is as a global player with an African heritage, and one of the things that mitigate against anybody trying to achieve that is if you are in a soft currency country. We are a growth company and we will continue to invest in our future. For us, the future is more important.

“Finally, what we then told ourselves is that the world is going through

significant shift and changes with respect to technology, demographics.”

Clearly, Wigwe understands that without embracing change and having foresights, banks would not be able to compete and would be left behind by their peers. This, would definitely impact customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, and revenue growth negatively.

This was why he continuously ensured that Access Holdings under his watch grew to become one of Africa’s leading financial services groups. He has shown a relentless pursuit for growth, but in a measured and calculated manner.

Wigwe has helped to develop some of Africa’s biggest companies in the construction, telecommunications, energy, oil and gas sectors through Access Bank.

The CEO of the financial institution strongly believes in the vast opportunities across Africa, which was why he aggressively drove its expansion.

According to Wigwe, Africa has enormous potential and there are opportunities for an African bank that is well run, that understands compliance and has the capacity to support trade and the right technology infrastructure to support payments and remittances, without taking incremental risks.

Wigwe is also passionate about human capital development, which led to his establishment of a university.

The licence for the university was few months ago approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC). The university is located at Wigwe’s hometown, Isiokpo, in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State. It is about 15 minutes’ drive from Port Harcourt International Airport and occupies about a 400-hectare land space in the sub-urban community just 40 minutes from Owerri, the capital of Imo State.

The Wigwe University would offer courses in Science; Technology (AI, Robotics programmes and other futuristic niches); Engineering; Arts (Creative Arts and science-based Art Programmes such as Gaming and Computer Creative, etc) and Mathematics (STEAM); Management and Social Sciences at the start.

It would then subsequently offer courses in Medical Sciences; Medicine; Law and Post Graduate Degrees. It would have linkage relationships with top foreign universities that would facilitate students’ exchange programs. The thrust of the university is to create leaders and entrepreneurs who will, upon graduation, be focused on creation of jobs, as opposed to job-seeking.

The university is being deliberately and carefully designed to fill these gaps, some of which are outdated curriculum; poor funding; decrepit facilities and infrastructure; poorly paid and motivated workforce. The motivation for establishing the university was principally borne out of Herbert Wigwe’s burning desires to give back to Nigeria, a country he loves passionately.

In designing the academic and nonacademic programs at the university, Wigwe has hired academicians from top US universities and European institutions to work with experts from across the world, including Nigeria.

It is expected that this would contribute significantly towards the improvement of education at the tertiary level and prepare manpower from Nigeria that would be global champions and top flying entrepreneurs. Indeed, Wigwe must be commended for his unwavering commitment towards ensure that the state of the country is transformed.

Wigwe

“One of the things we want to be known as, is as a global player with an African heritage, and one of the things that mitigate against anybody trying to achieve that is if you are in a soft currency country. We are a growth company and we will continue to invest in our future. For us, the future is more important.”

The Obidient Movement is an ideology built on a fallacy, contends

JOSHUA OCHEJA

OBI AND THE OBIDIENT

MOVEMENT

I salute the emotional brilliance of Peter Obi. It is unprecedented that he could play a fast one on the psyche of Nigerians within such a short period. He presented an elusive hope. He laced it with emotions. He targeted the language of the audience. Peppered it with a populist drivel. He sustained it. And he won it. But unfortunately, he won the wrong race.

The Obidient Movement is an ideology built on a fallacy. It is unclear, but his followers, Obidients, and a few undiscerning Nigerians believe it due to the inability to see that Peter Obi is a capitalist who intends to redirect the nation’s wealth to another bloc, and, the last I checked, the members of the anonymous masses are not in the fray.

right path. I saved money in Anambra State. I have only one house. I have only one wristwatch. Please don’t vote for me because I am a Christian. It is for the future of the country.”

These were his hallmarks before, during, and after the elections. And the big one was captured in his policy document, which is more of a prose with good interplay of colors and design.

“We want to heal Nigeria. But to solve a problem, you must understand its pathology. To heal Nigeria, we need a good diagnosis of its problems. The problem with Nigeria is elite capture. Nigeria has been captured by an elite that has shown no commitment to development,” page 9, paragraph 2 of the referenced policy document.

Those who live in glass houses should not throw stones. In 2014, Peter Obi dumped APGA for the PDP because he wanted to be a “competitor” and not a “spectator.” “Joining a national party was not about happenings in APGA, but because of “the need to be a competitor and not a spectator” in national affairs” Peter Obi, 2014.

In 2015, Peter Obi was appointed the chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in line with his vision to be a competitor, not a spectator. It didn’t matter if the PDP was good or bad at the time. All that mattered was seeking an avenue to compete and unfortunately, APGA could not provide what he wanted. And there were no issues.

LEOPOLD ZEKENG writes that the upcoming visit by some donor partners presents an opportunity for Nigeria to further strengthen collaborations on the health system

PARTNERING FOR PROGRESS: TRANSFORMING NIGERIA’S HEALTHCARE LANDSCAPE

For the past two decades, the collaborative Tuberculosis, and Malaria (GFATM), the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), and the US President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) have been instrumental in supporting Nigeria’s battle against malaria, HIV, and tuberculosis. Cumulatively, these billion in Nigeria’s response to the three diseases.

The PMI alone has committed an additional Together, these global funding partners have bestowed upon Nigeria one of the most substantial country investment portfolios, resulting in impressive achievements in disease control, improved population health outcomes, and enhancements in our national and sub-national health systems.

Through its political will, the government of Nigeria has created a favorable public health outcomes.

government has also participated in funding replenishment rounds for the Global Fund, pledging a total of $95 million to date.

However, the upcoming visit by the leaders of these donor partners, including Mr. Peter Sands, Executive Director of GFATM; Dr. John Nkengasong, Ambassador-At-Large, U.S. Global AIDS for Global Health Security and Diplomacy; and Dr. David Dalton, the United States Global Malaria Coordinator, presents a unique opportunity for Nigeria’s new administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to further strengthen collaborations and a chance to explore ways to build upon these successes.

Peter Obi is a smart guy and a businessman. His new love for the masses is suspect. The dramatic departure from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the Labour Party did the magic. Whoever advised him to choose the Labour Party deserves a prize in the Hall of Fame. It was well-calculated and meant to spark emotions rather than reasoning.

The overarching strategy was to paint a picture of sainthood. Of course, he left money in the bank for the people of Anambra State, and he bequeathed a regime that spirited the funds that were saved instead of being utilized for the people. Was he as guilty? Has Anambra fared better after him? I will leave these for Anambarians to answer.

Peter Obi projected his ambition as being about the country’s future, and he wants to transform Nigeria from a consumption country to a producing country. How? Pledges and oratorical speeches? I believe Julius Malema more because he has a history of commitment and passion for the cause of South Africans, and his passion built a party from scratch.

I won’t believe a businessman who joined politics because it was convenient and left the party that brought him to power, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), for the Peoples Democratic Party as its vice presidential candidate in the 2019 presidential elections. He dined and wined with them then, which was convenient. So what changed?

There was nothing wrong with the PDP and its long history in the development and underdevelopment of Nigeria. I agree because, for Peter Obi, any medium is a medium, including the Labour Party, whose membership, globally, is expected to be driven by a socialist or welfarist ideology. So was Peter Obi able to switch ideology within a short period? What sort of ideology is that?

The ideology of convenience or conviction? This is what the Obidients didn’t understand. And they became averse to contrary opinions. They can only be right from their own opinion because Peter Obi became that messiah who dropped from the skies to give hope to the masses, and he presented an elusive one laced with emotions. “I will move the country from consumption to production. I will dismantle the structure. I will set Nigeria on the

This romance continued till 2019 when he was the vice presidential candidate of the PDP. In 2022, he left for the Labour Party because being a competitor was no longer possible in the PDP. This is typical of Nigeria’s political elites and businessmen. Someone asked why he didn’t return to APGA. And why the Labour Party? What is the ideology behind such a move? To advance his interest or that of the masses?

It was definitely in his interest; that was why it was christened the Obidient Movement and the not Labour Movement because it is about him and not the masses. His personal interest was so selfishly overarching that the state chairmen of the Labour Party in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory disowned him on the Thursday before the Presidential Election because he ran his campaign through the Obidient Movement and not through the party. I bet the Obidients don’t know what the movement is about. They see only Peter Obi and his promises, which were not founded on reasonable strategy. But, again, rhetoric is the language the gullible understands.

Rhetoric is an essential skill for public speaking. It helps people create an impact on their audience through the effective use of language, gestures, and expressions. This could be found in its policy document.

Bayo Onanuga summarized the policy document thus: “Mr. Peter Obi’s document contains no grand policy initiatives and options to excite right-thinking Nigerians. It was silent about how Obi wanted to achieve his falutin objectives. Instead, it will set alarm bells ringing in the South, South, and North East as Obi promises to ‘engineer the transition of Nigeria from a fossil fuel dependency to climate and eco-friendly energy use”.

For convenience, not conviction, Peter Obi denounced his elite status, which resulted in carrying his bag at the airport, arriving at functions late, and adorning the same black attire, identical shoes, and wristwatch to reflect his new status as the promoter of the masses.

Ocheja

is a doctoral candidate in Military History, Nigerian Defence Academy, and can be reached via jaocheja@gmail.com

On the frontlines of HIV/AIDS, Nigeria million individuals were receiving life-saving antiretroviral treatment while, 6.2 million people underwent HIV testing, 34,000 mothers living with HIV received vital medication to safeguard their lives and prevent HIV million people accessed HIV prevention services.

These achievements have placed Nigeria among the nations closest to attaining the UNAIDS 95-95-95 epidemic control targets: 95% of people living with HIV knowing their status, 95% receiving life-saving treatment, and 95% achieving viral suppression, reducing

provided preventive treatment to 2.4 million suspected cases for malaria.

For tuberculosis, Nigeria have treated 5.3 million people and currently provides battling extensively drug-resistant TB.

The impact of these three donor partners extends beyond disease control. They’ve played a pivotal role in improving Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure, including the establishment of world-class public laboratories, upgrades to central drug warehouses, and the implementation of systems.

These investments were not only crucial in in supporting agencies like the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), to strengthen service delivery and capacity for perhaps, future pandemics.

The success of these initiatives in Nigeria is as a result of a harmonious partnership with the government and its leadership.

opportunity to expand the scope of Global Fund, PEPFAR, and PMI investments to encompass broader health system development which includes addressing non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cancer, morbidity and mortality.

It’s also an opportunity to tackle childhood infections, immunization, pediatric health, and maternal health issues. More so, discussions around integrating Tuberculosis, malaria, and HIV services into Nigeria’s National Health Insurance Authority and implementing compulsory social health insurance are in focus. The ultimate goal is for the government at all levels to gradually take over service delivery responsibilities currently managed by third-party partners, aligning with sustainability goals outlined in discussions like the New Business Model and Alignment 2.0.

This visit and dialogue reiterate the commitments and counterpart funding requirements.

This will also provide the forum to encourage increased domestic budget allocations for health by leveraging existing donor support, we can further strengthen our healthcare systems and enhance pandemic preparedness, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes for all Nigerians.

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths.

organizations—UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank—and works closely with global and national partners towards ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals.

*Dr Zekeng is UNAIDS’ Country Director, Nigeria

Editor,

Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA

Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

EDITORIAL DEALING WITH SUICIDAL THOUGHTS

The authorities should do more to stem the trend

As millions of people around the world marked the 2023 Suicide Prevention Day yesterday with the theme, ‘Creating Hope Through Action’, not much awareness was created in Nigeria. Yet, reports on suicide have moved from an occasional blip to a very disturbing trend in our country. It is not restricted to any demographic group as both the young and the old are killing themselves. Marked on 10th September every year, the World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) was established in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention in conjunction with the World Health Organisation (WHO) to reduce stigma and raise awareness, with a singular message that suicides are preventable.

Unfortunately, there is nothing to suggest that this health challenge in Nigeria. According to the WHO, one in four some sort of mental illnesses. With only eight federal neuropsychiatric hospitals in the country, serious budget constraints, the exodus of most ignorance, it comes as no surprise that suicides are on the increase. To successfully deal with this problem, the authorities must do more, including the urgent need to leverage on social media at least to address the issue of stigma while an awareness campaign is also important for the prevention of social habits that are detrimental to mental health, especially among young people.

There are many theories as to why these Nigerians take their own lives and they are traceable mostly pervading poverty and hopelessness. It is an established fact that impoverished individuals are a major risk group for depression. The use of hard drugs (particularly Indian hemp, cocaine and even methamphetamine) are commonplace in the

D AY EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU

DEPUTY EDITORS WALE OLALEYE, OBINNA CHIMA MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

T H I S D AY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, EMMANUEL EFENI DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

Letters to the Editor

And depression, according to experts, is the most common reason why people commit suicide.

Medical practitioners under the aegis of the Society of Family Physicians of Nigeria, (SOFPON) have for years been raising concerns about the growing number of Nigerians living with depression, a major risk factor for suicide. According to a SOFPON treatment, and only one in 50 receives treatment that is minimally adequate.” She recommends that medical practitioners who see various cases of ailment at the Primary Health Centres should be trained on how to identify the symptoms of depression.

While the authorities must begin to deal with this problem, there are also other reasons why people take their own lives and devastate members of their family and friends with shock. For instance, underlying mental disorders such as schizophrenia, excessive alcoholism, drug abusive in triggering suicidal thoughts. Schizophrenia is a disease with a wide range of weird symptoms like hallucinations, inner voices, disordered thinking and irrational fears and

Mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of. Like diabetes and heart disease, it is a medical condition which is treatable. Many people with mental health enough to tackle this public health emergency and it is responsible for the growing cases of suicides. government ministries, agencies, and departments especially that of health, labour and employment, and social services. As a forensic psychiatrist, Dr Folashade Olajubu said recently, there is need to a global health problem and improve the knowledge of what can be done to prevent it.

Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-300 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details to opinion@thisdaylive.com. We also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (750- 1000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive. com along with photograph, email address and phone numbers of the writer.

LETTERS

TINUBU MUST MODERNISE CUSTOMS

vision to overhaul the nation’s economy is the need to spare the nation of bogus foreign loans that have consistently held it down.

Thankfully, the President just wriggled out of ju dicial landmines set to invalidate his mandate won at the February presidential polls. While he might still have the Supreme Court to contend with, the president must begin to grapple with the economic hardship facing Nigerians, especially after the fuel subsidy removal.

Pressures keep mounting on President Tinubu to country as a short cut to mitigating the rising costs of living. Even at that, no responsible leader would bow to this with numbers of porous borders and vulnera ble customs’ operations.

up those loose ends enabled by archaic and cum bersome operations in the Nigeria Customs Service.

had commenced a process to digitize the manage ment and operations of the Customs as a crucial in Technologies (WA) Limited and Huawei Consortium eral Executive Council on September 2, 2022, follow Although this project is now entangled in legal tussle that suggests intentional sabotage for person al gains. President Tinubu, while looking inwards to generate revenue to run his administration, must and security interests of the nation.

Funding the Renewed Hope agenda of the presi ect to protect the genuine promoters of this project tion.

Remi Adebayo, Ibadan

VENICE STAYING AFLOAT FINANCIALLY

There is likely to be a fee to visit Venice from 2024 onwards al though a $5US cost is minimal for such a beautiful place and it will Venice is, as most people know, facing being damaged, because of the rising waters, although ironically the canals ran dry in February because of the severe weather conditions. There is also the problem of overcrowding. as anyone who has visited St Marks Square will be only too aware of although a modest visitors fee may reduce the

Sometimes you can appreciate the beauty of a site without risking harming it. Climbing the Pyramids in Egypt has been discouraged and then banned for a long time and in Australia climbing Uluru has been banned for cultural reasons, as well as being dangerous to climb.

Which is more important, the cultural site or taking an Instagram photo of it that might cause damage to the site?

Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia

There is need to improve awareness of the significance of suicide as a global health problem and improve the knowledge of what can be done to prevent it

Unraveling Africa's Paradox: Rich in Resources, Poor in Progress

The Geopolitics Series 2.0, a forum organised by the Media Centre for Development, MCD, and facilitated by Global Sentinel, Security Intel Africa and Ayanda Media Network, convened experts from around the world to dissect Africa's challenges in utilising its resources for development. As global attention turns to Africa's potential, Precious Ugwuzor reports that the series dissected resource mismanagement and global power dynamics in Africa, as well as explored factors contributing to underdevelopment: resource mismanagement, historical exploitation, and leadership gaps. While highlighting the paradox of resource-rich yet struggling nations and stressed effective leadership, equitable trade, educational reform, and collaboration, they further called for collective action to drive Africa towards prosperity, stability, and a stronger global presence

The complex underdevelopment challenges plaguing Africa find their roots in a delicate interplay of factors: mismanagement of resources within African nations and the historical dominance of global powers shaping the continent's economic and political landscape. The second Geopolitics Series webinar, delved into these pressing issues. Titled "Africa Fragility: Resource Curse or Resource Mismanagement?", the webinar brought together distinguished experts and participants to dissect Africa's struggle to harness its resources for sustainable growth.

Speakers included Paul Turner, President and Executive Director of The Fund for Peace in Washington DC; Prof. PLO Lumumba, President of the PLO Lumumba Foundation and Director of the Kenya School of Law in Nairobi; Prof. Adriano Nuvunga, Director of CDD and Chairperson of the Mozambique Human Rights Defenders Network in Maputo; and David Endeley Otto, International Terrorism Consultant at Stepp In Stepp Out UK Ltd in London. paradox is palpable: Africa holds vast natural and human resources—oil, gas, minerals, and a young educated populace—yet remains among the world's poorest.

A legacy of colonialism, resource mismanagement, global power dynamics, and governance deficits emerged as key culprits. The webinar's insights underscored the need for transparent governance, accountable leadership, educational reform, technology investment, and international collaboration to steer Africa toward a future of prosperity and global prominence.

Decoding Africa's Underdevelopment

In the quest to address Africa's enduring underdevelopment amid global growth and shifting power dynamics, the Geopolitics Series emerged as a beacon. Coordinated by the MCD in collaboration with Global Sentinel, Public Intel Security Africa, and Ayanda Media Network, this series aims to dissect global issues impacting Africa's peace, security, economy, governance, and development, with a focus on Nigeria and the continent at large.

The inaugural edition celebrated the African Union's 60th Anniversary, delving into conflict management in the 21st century. Building on this success, the second edition explored economic security and Africa's struggle to harness its resources effectively. The series dissected Africa's limited global influence, economic contribution, and the "resource curse," wherein mismanaged natural resources exacerbate challenges.

This effort serves as a platform for thought leaders to decipher the complexities stifling Africa's progress and to pave the way for transformative change. Through critical analysis, it strives to redefine Africa's trajectory by combining its resources, youth potential, visionary leadership, and robust governance for

a future of prosperity and sustainable development.

Africa's complex journey towards development was scrutinized in the Geopolitics Series, where experts dissected the intricate web of factors driving underdevelopment. Internal challenges like governance flaws and corruption were unveiled as fundamental culprits. Governance deficits perpetuate inefficiencies and embezzlement, diverting resources from critical sectors.

The shadow of colonialism looms large, with its arbitrary borders and ethnic divisions still sowing discord. Global dynamics also play a role, with unequal trade and neocolonialism hampering progress. However, the series emphasized that the responsibility for change rests not solely on history and external pressures. Africa's internal drive and pragmatic leadership are crucial.

The series called for transparent governance, fair trade, and a harmonious fusion of cultural identity and modern practices. Ultimately, the series underscored the necessity of a concerted effort between Africa and the global community to mend the fractures of underdevelopment, transforming aspirations into realities.

Addressing Resource Mismanagement in Africa

Mr. David Otto, a security and counterterrorism expert, delved into Africa's fragility, spotlighting indicators such as corruption and economic instability. He noted that despite abundant resources, outdated healthcare and education systems hinder growth.

Otto highlighted, "During COVID, Africa's health system struggled due

to lack of infrastructure. Educational systems are outdated, still echoing colonial curriculum despite resource wealth."

He contended that the relationship between growth and resources isn't straightforward and emphasized the need for governance and diversification. Otto stressed the mismanagement of Africa's resources and urged a focus on human resource development. He cited successful resource-poor countries like Rwanda as examples. Otto underscored Africa's potential but lamented its underrepresentation in global geopolitics. He stressed governance, mindset shifts, unity, and workforce utilization as key to addressing Africa's multifaceted fragility.

In the same vein, Paul Turner, President and Executive Director of the Fund for Peace Washington DC, beamed searchlight on Africa's role in global power dynamics. He analyzed Africa's recent challenges, linking rising food prices to global disruptions and events like the Russian invasion in Ukraine. He noted leaders' varied responses, leading to protests and fragility. Turner underscored global power shifts and their implications for international relations, urging African leaders to leverage major powers' competition for economic gain.

He stressed the importance of effective resource management, acknowledging technology's transformative potential. Turner highlighted, "The Cold War is behind us... If skillfully navigated by African leaders, these impacts could work to their advantage." He noted the context-dependent nature of resources as blessings or curses and looked forward to case studies shedding light on economic challenges and opportunities in African countries.

On his part, Prof. PLO Lumumba, Chairman and Founder of the PLO Foundation, made a call for change in resource management in Africa in order to drive progress and become a major player in global arena. He highlighted equitable agreements in dealings with global powers like the Western world, China, and Russia,

emphasizing resource extraction like cobalt or gold. He noted poor contracts enabled foreign corporations in sectors like oil and agriculture to exploit African countries.

Lumumba challenged the notion of a "resource curse," attributing it to mismanagement within African nations. He cited Total Energies, Shell, and ExxonMobil exploiting Nigeria and Ghana in oil, and foreign entities benefiting from African agricultural products. He emphasized, "Africa's perceived resource curse isn't due to curses, but mismanagement. Political class's unfavourable contracts led to foreign exploitation. In agriculture, Togo, Côte D'Ivoire, and Ghana's minimal value addition benefits foreigners. It's a failure to maximize opportunities."

Lumumba attributed this to Africa's political vulnerability and advocated for industrialization, energy infrastructure, and value addition to move away from raw material trade. He urged unity in negotiations to counter manipulation, stressing Africa's human resources. He concluded, "Time to move beyond lamentation. We possess ample human resources. Fragility only emerges when one chooses to be fragile. The time for change is now."

Harnessing Africa's Youth Potential

Prof. Adriano Nuvunga, Director of CDD, highlighted the opportunities and challenges presented by Africa's youthful population. He emphasized inadequate democratic spaces hindering youth participation and declining voter turnout despite population growth. Nuvunga linked this to deteriorating education quality.

"Africa's unprecedented youth population holds immense potential, but insufficient democratic avenues obstruct their engagement. Voter turnout declines despite population growth, intertwined with declining education quality, " he said.

Senator Iroegu PLO Lumumba

Paul Turner

Dakore Ekpendu

David Otto

Prof Adriano

Ayanda Ngwane

This Week In Tech

Dada: Exchange Rate Unification Will Boost Investor C onfidence and Market Stability

In this interview, Olusola Dada, the Managing Director of Sovereign Finance Company Limited, sheds light on the potential impact of the government’s exchange rate unification policy, the firm’s expanding profile, and the pressing need for financial inclusion, among other topics. Nosa Alekhuogie presents excerpts:

How does Sovereign Finance Company Limited distinguish itself from other financial service providers in Nigeria?

Sovereign Finance Company Limited was conceived as a premier financial services conglomerate, equipped to not only meet but exceed our clients’ financial needs, fostering sustainable wealth creation. Our distinction lies in delivering innovative financial and investment solutions tailored to various sectors of the Nigerian economy, grounded in industry expertise and operational excellence. Our commitment to expanding financial inclusion drives us to offer customised solutions and products targeting diverse markets and customer expectations. We firmly believe that broadening financial access is a crucial step in reducing poverty in our nation. Our financial services cater to individuals, SMEs, and High Net Worth individuals, with a focus on building enduring wealth for present and future generations.

How does the firm plan to navigate the unique challenges and opportunities within the diverse sectors of the Nigerian economy?

At Sovereign Finance Company Limited, our strategy centres on a deep understanding of each sector’s intricacies, allowing us to tailor financial solutions that add value. We embrace innovation and harness data-driven insights to adapt swiftly to evolving business landscapes. We take pride in being a catalyst for growth by offering inventive investment products and services empowering individuals and businesses to contribute productively to our nation’s economic stability. Nigeria’s financial services sector is evolving rapidly, and we evolve with it.

Nigeria’s financial services sector is evolving. How does your company stay ahead regarding technological advancements and customer expectations?

We pride ourselves on being at the forefront of financial innovation driven by technological prowess. We actively integrate technological advancements into our financial solutions, ensuring streamlined and seamless processes, elevated customer experiences, and industry leadership. Embracing technology is fundamental to our business model, with investments in cutting-edge solutions that enhance customer experiences, streamline operations, and provide real-time insights. This proactive approach allows us to anticipate and meet evolving customer expectations.

What steps has the company taken to ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines while providing innovative financial solutions?

Sovereign Finance adheres to a rigorous risk management framework and complies with all regulatory guidelines. Our operations prioritise professionalism and customer-centricity, ensuring our innovative financial solutions meet regulatory standards while addressing diverse customer needs.

How does Sovereign Finance plan to sustain its ‘pre-eminence’ in the industry?

Our aim is to sustain our preeminence by maintaining a focus on operational excellence, delivering innovative financial solutions, and upholding our core values of Character, Innovation, Trust, and Customer Service. We continuously adapt to the evolving financial landscape, remaining at the forefront of financial innovation in Nigeria. Our vision is fortified by the assembly of top investment experts with outstanding experience, bringing creative solutions to our customers’ financial needs.

Our approach centres on harmonising the convenience of technology with the personalised guidance of experts. While digital platforms empower clients to access services seamlessly, our advisors remain readily available to provide human insights, expert advice, and reassurance. In an era of

cyber threats, ensuring data security is crucial.

How does Sovereign Finance Limited maintain robust cybersecurity measures while offering online financial services?

Cybersecurity is a non-negotiable priority. We have made extensive investments in state-of-theart encryption, multi-factor authentication, and continuous monitoring systems. Our dedicated cybersecurity team ensures that client data remains impervious to breaches. Our technology roadmap is designed for agility, enabling us to adapt swiftly to disruptions. Regular stress testing and scenario simulations prepare us to safeguard our clients’ financial stability.

The World Bank has hailed the government’s exchange rate unification policy. Despite the

promising outlook, what advice do you have for the government?

Three crucial steps come to mind immediately. Firstly, addressing system leakages is essential to ensure the success of exchange rate unification. Implementing stringent measures to curb illicit financial flows is crucial to maintaining stability in the unified exchange rate. Additionally, combating the theft of crude oil and improving security are vital, as they pose significant risks to economic activities, particularly in the farming, tourism, and logistics sectors. The government must prioritize security enhancement and create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive. With increased liquidity in the system, there is a risk of inflationary pressures. To counter this, the government should subsidise food production and agricultural activities, stabilising food prices and controlling inflation while consistently implementing appropriate monetary policy measures.

What specific benefits do you see for SMEs with a unified exchange rate?

The exchange rate unification policy will bring enhanced transparency, predictability, and risk management to the market, simplifying transactions and enhancing planning capabilities. This will increase SME competitiveness and attract more foreign direct investments. At Sovereign Finance Company Limited, we believe that exchange rate unification will instil confidence in investors, eliminating market distortions and creating a level playing field for SMEs.

How will the company support SMEs through exchange rate unification?

Recognising the vital role that SMEs play in nation-building, Sovereign Finance Company Limited remains committed to supporting them during this period of uncertainty. We are prepared to assist SMEs in accessing funding facilities that may become available due to improved liquidity and government intervention measures, ensuring they have the necessary funds for business sustainability and growth.

Could you share how Sovereign Finance Limited’s technology infrastructure ensured seamless operations and client service during such unprecedented times?

The pandemic underscored the resilience of our digital framework. Cloud-based systems enabled remote work, while robust online platforms ensured clients could access services uninterrupted. This experience reaffirmed the importance of our techdriven approach. Looking ahead, we envision embracing the evolution of technology. We are exploring AI-driven predictive analytics and blockchainbased solutions to elevate our risk management capabilities. By staying at the forefront of innovation, we aim to set new benchmarks for risk mitigation in Nigeria’s financial landscape.

Dada

“Our aim is to sustain our pre-eminence by maintaining a focus on operational excellence, delivering innovative financial solutions, and upholding our core values of Character, Innovation, Trust, and Customer Service. We continuously adapt to the evolving financial landscape, remaining at the forefront of financial innovation in Nigeria.”

RATES AS AT SEPTEMBER 8,2023

Banks, Discount Houses’ Deposit with CBN Down 16% to N738.03bn MoM

Kayode Tokede

Banks and discount houses deposit with Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), depreciated by nearly 16 per cent Month-on-Month (MoM) to N738.03billion in August 2023 from N876.87 billion in July, amid domestic economy uncertainties and attractive yield.

This is according to CBN’s financial data posted on its official website.

The SDF is a lower corridor of the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) at which banks and discount houses can deposit their excess money overnight with the CBN for an interest rate.

SDF so far this year has witnessed significant patronage as banks and discount houses deposit reached highest peak of

about N876.87billion in July 2023, highest so far this year.

The applicable interest rate on SDF moved to 15.75 per cent at an asymmetric corridor of +100/-300 basis points around the 18.75 per cent MPR in July 2023.

By Monetary Policy Committee of the CBN unanimous narrowed the asymmetric corridor from +100/-700 to +100/-300 basis points around the MPR.

Acting governor of the CBN, Folashodun Shonubi had while speaking at the last MPC said the Committee remained cautious in arriving at a policy decision as members noted the need to continue to support investment, which will ultimately lead to the recovery of output growth.

“The balance of these arguments thus, leaned in favour of a moderate

rate hike, to sustain efforts at anchoring inflation expectation, narrow the negative real interest rate gap, and improve investor confidence,” he said.

However, the CBN has over the years maintained that strong patronage at the SDF confirm healthier liquidity in the banking system.

The CBN data revealed that the reported N738.03 billion SDF in August 2023 is 283.4 per cent Year-on-Year growth when compared to N192.41 billion in August 2022.

CBN had maintained that the strong patronage at the SDF confirmed healthier liquidity in the banking system, stressing that banks and merchant banks were in search of better yields.

THISDAY can report that the

current inflation rate in Nigeria (24.08 per cent of July 2023) is above yield on Treasury bills (T-Bills) and banks are looking for risk-free investments, which SDF has provided since MPR hike.

“Furthermore, activities in fixed income securities increased as investors navigate difficult economic conditions and underlying pricing pressures in search of better yields,” according to CBN.

THISDAY gathered that banks and discount houses between January and August 2023 have deposited N4.6 trillion with CBN, an increase of 83 per cent from N2.51 trillion in corresponding period of 2022.

Finance experts said financial institutions prefer depositing with CBN as it is safe and risk-free, stressing that present business

Banking Industry Total Assets Up 47.21% as

Nume Ekeghe

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has revealed that the total Assets of the banking industry increased by 47.21 per cent to N30.92 trillion just as the industry’s Non- Performing Loans (NPLs) declined to 4.1 per cent as of June 2023.

The Acting Governor of CBN, Folashodun Shonubi, and a member of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the CBN, Adeola Adenikinju disclosed this

in their personal statements at the MPC meeting held in July.

They also indicated that the Banking System, Financial Soundness Indicators (FSIs) remained stable and strong.

According to Shonubi: “In the Banking System, Financial Soundness Indicators (FSIs) remained stable and strong. The Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) stood at 11.2 per cent, NonPerforming Loans (NPLs) ratio of 4.1 per cent and Liquidity Ratio (LR) of 48.4 per cent, as at end June 2023.

“Broad money supply (M3) in June 2023 grew by 24.35 per cent (year-to- date), compared with 6.70 per cent in May, driven largely by the increase in both Net Foreign Assets (NFA) and Net Domestic Assets (NDA). Money market rates reflected the level of liquidity in the banking system. Consequently, the monthly weighted average Open Buyback (OBB) and Interbank Call rates decreased to 9.12 and 11.61 per cent in June 2023, from 12.60 and 12.31 per cent in May, respectively.”

On his part, Adenikinju noted that between the end of June 2022 and 2023, the banking industry witnessed a substantial increase, with Total Assets expanding by N30.92 trillion or 47.21 per cent. He stated: “Equity and Returns on Asset increased between May 2023 and June 2023. Return on Equity (ROE) rose from 22.8 per cent to 32.2 per cent; while Return on Assets (ROA) increased from 1.7 per cent in May 2023 to 2.3 per cent by June 2023. Interest margins to total

environment has forced banks and discount houses to lend cautiously in the real sector.

Speaking with THISDAY, the CEO, Wyoming Capital & Partners, Mr. Tajudeen Olayinka, attributed the surge in banks deposit with CBN between and August 2023 to uncurtaining in the business environment over rising insecurity, among others.

Olayinka stated that, “The most significant factor is the increasing level of threat in the environment of business in Nigeria, arising from: insecurity, supply chain problems, rising inflation and poor purchasing power, low level of productivity, rising unemployment, liquidity overhang and paucity of risk-free financial instruments.”

He added that, “As a result, most banks prefer to be debited

by CBN for running short of LDR limit, as against extending credit to businesses that are finding it difficult to survive. It is all about managing risk.”

The Chief operating officer of InvestData Consulting Limited, Mr. Ambrose Omordion stated that CBN is the last resort where DMBs deposit excess liquidity that comes with an attractive yield.

He explained that, “When a bank goes to borrow from CBN, it is a sign the bank is having liquidity challenges. The latest report by CBN revealed stability in the banking sector and most of them have a strong capital base to lend to the real sector and expand.

NPLs Decline to 4.1%

operating income declined from 59.8 per cent in May 2023 to 48.2 per cent in June 2023. Similarly, operating cost to total operating income declined from 70.7 per cent to 62.1 per cent between May and June 2023.

“As I reiterated in the last Personal Statement, the high operating cost environment of the banking sector should be concerning and needs to be addressed. Finally, all the measures of banking size, assets, deposits, and credits also rose. Total Assets of the banking

industry grew by N30.92 trillion or 47.21 per cent between end-June 2022 and 2023. Industry credit increased by N10.75 trillion or 39.73 per cent between end June 2022 and end-June 2023. Gross credit has been on an upward trajectory since 2019. Total industry deposits increased by N15.92 trillion or 37.86 per cent between the end of June 2022 and 2023.

Sustainable Economic Growth

Experts: Insurance, Pension Sector Key to

Ebere Nwoji

Experts in the finance services sector have stressed the importance of a solid insurance and pension sector in building a virile and sustainable economy.

The finance experts who spoke at the 8th annual national conference of the Nigerian Association of Insurance and Pension Editors (NAIPE), with the theme: “Role of Insurance and Pension In Building Sustainable Economic Growth

Under The New Government,” held in Lagos, called on the new administration to put in place enabling policies and laws that support the survival of the pension and insurance sectors to sustain their continue contributions to the national economic growth.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, APT Securities and Funds Limited, Malam Kashmiri

Garba Kurdish, while delivering his paper emphasised the need for Insurance and Pension operators to adopt a more creative and innovative ways in their business approach, product development and service delivery to grow the sectors.

Kurfi, while highlighting the contributions of the two sectors to the national economy said, “There is over N2.5 trillion assets managed by the insurance institution in Nigeria as of 31st December 2022.

“While there is over N16.6 trillion assets managed by the Pension Fund Administration as at 31st December 2022, the combination of the two institutions has a total asset of over N19 trillion. The role played by the two institutions in sustaining our economic growth left no one in doubt that they are instruments for most of the economic development.”

Speaking, the Managing Director, ARM Pension, Mr. Wale Odutola, represented by Mrs. Abimbola Suleiman, ED, Investment, ARM Pension, said every household has a need for basic insurance and a basic pension plan.

Odutola noted that insurance and pension had gone a long way in improving the lives of people. He explained that government alone could not engender sustainable economic growth, as such, insurance and pension should be encouraged among the rural dwellers to better their lots.

Former Secretary General of the African Insurance Organisation (AIO), Ms. Prisca Soares, said stressed the need for operators to embrace continued manpower development and technology adoption, which is a panacea for driving growth in modern-day businesses.

Firstbank Enhances Loan Solution to Ensure Quality Education

FirstBank has announced that its FirstEdu product designed to put schools at an advantage in financing of capital projects such as the acquisition of new property, school expansion and reconstruction has been remodeled to a period of up to a maximum tenor of 48 months.

Expressing his delight at the impact of the product, The Group Executive e-Business and Retail Products, Mr Chuma Ezirim, said; “we are happy with the positive response that our FirstEdu product is eliciting across the country. This

is not only a demonstration of the great experience witnessed in the schools, but also the impact it has made across the value chain of the educational sector which contributes significantly to the socio-economic development of the country. Education is the bedrock of any society; and the future belongs to those who built this bedrock today. We remain committed to supporting the educational sector as part of our nation-building strategy.’’

“Since its launch in 2018, the FirstEdu loan has promoted the continued improvement of

schools whilst putting them at an advantage in meeting their mid and long-term goals. These goals include the expansion of the school through the acquisition of landed properties, purchase of school bus, modern educational facilities, tools and equipment to optimize the day-to-day operations of the school. Renewable energy loan for schools has also been added to enable them control and reduce the high cost of fuel while powering their school facilities as well as minimize their environmental impacts, “he said.

Haastrup: Terminal Operators Increased Dockworkers Wages by 2000% in 17years

The Chairman of Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN), Vicky Haastrup, has said that Dockworkers who work at the ports have had their take-home increased by 2000 per cent since the Federal Government introduced the port reform in 2006.

Haastrup stated this during the maiden edition of Dockworkers Day organised by the Shipping Correspondent Association of Nigeria (SCAN) in Lagos.

Speaking on the themed, “Dockworkers, The Unsung Heroes of Port Reforms,” Haastrup said that before the port concession, dockworkers were poorly paid adding that there was no condition of service.

She said that the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBI) between the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) and terminal operators has ensured industrial harmony.

She said, “Today, the average

take-home pay of a dockworker has increased by more than 2,000 per cent over what it was in 2006.

The Collective Bargaining Agreement between the union and terminal operators has also ensured industrial harmony at the port. Before the concession, dockworkers were poorly paid.”

Also speaking, President-General of Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Adewale Adeyanju congratulated SCAN for putting together the eventful programme to celebrate Dockworkers: the veterans and our unsung Heroes still on duty.

“The Federal Government posited that the objectives of the reform include: to increase the efficiency of the Ports operation and elimination of overlapping between Nigerian Ports Authority as a technical regulator and other agencies.

“The Ports were delineated in 2006 to 25 Terminal operators with lease agreements ranging between 10 to

25years. Until now, the agreements have not been renewed because of inter-agency rivalries and the culprits are the unsung heroes: the Dockworkers, it is said that when two elephants fight the grass suffers, “he said.

Delivering the keynote address, the Registrar, Port & Terminal Management Academy Of Nigeria, Dr. Samuel O Babatunde said that four factors necessitate Port Reforms.

“No Doubt, the Ports has benefited from the Private Sector Experience of Ability to fix things Right. In likewise manner, Dockworkers has strategically assisted in the actualization of the desires of Port Reforms in the following ways:

“The Degree of Theft in Our Seaports has reduced drastically from recorded 55% now to 15% under the Port Reforms; The Degree of Port Efficiency, Effectiveness and Responsiveness has improved tremendously from previous figure of 25% now to 85 percent,” he stated.

Report: Few Unemployed Youths Benefit from Govt’s Safety Nets

Omolabake Fasogbon

Not up to 1 per cent of over 50 per cent unemployed youths population in Nigeria have been able to access support from government’s social safety net structures which are set up to cushion effects of poverty and unemployment.

Moreover, religious bodies where the unemployed fall back on for relief after facing denial in government’s net have proven unproductive, forcing many youths to resort to ‘side hustle’ to survive.

In its 2022 recent report, West

Africa’s online job platform, Jobberman further reckoned that limited coverage and weak targeting of social interventions, amongst others may have denied a larger percentage of youths due access.

Noting that Nigeria’s increasing unemployment rate on a yearly average of six percent was worrying, with a far -reaching effects, Chief Executive Officer of Jobberman, Oreoluwa Boboye said it was high time that youths shifted their priority away from white collar job and develop their

The National Pension Commission (PenCom) will commence the 2023 online verification and enrolment exercise for prospective retirees of Federal Government TreasuryFunded Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) who are due to retire in 2024. The enrolment exercise will be held from 2 October to 31 December 2023.

To adapt to the evolving landscape of pension fund administration, PenCom embarked on a proactive journey to modernise and simplify the pension verification and enrolment process for prospective retirees. Recently, PenCom issued a revised guidance note to Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) on online enrolment to ensure a seamless transition into retirement for government employees.

Central to this exercise is the Online Enrolment Application, hosted on the PenCom website (www.pencom.gov.ng). This webbased application empowers prospective retirees with the tools to complete their enrolment process conveniently from the comfort of their homes. The application comprises four distinct modules that collectively contribute to the comprehensive pension enrolment process: Retiree Registration, PFA Module, MDA Module, and PenCom Module.

Under the Retiree Registration Module, prospective retirees can register, scan, and upload all the necessary documents, ensuring the accuracy and completeness of their pension information. This innovation drastically reduces the reliance on manual paperwork and minimises the risk of multiple RSA PINs. PFAs are vital in this process; therefore, they use the PFA Module for their part. The PFAs are responsible for verifying and enrolling prospective retirees, ensuring the submitted information is accurate and consistent. PFAs also guide individuals throughout the online registration process when required. Similarly, the MDA Module enables Pension Desk Officers of MDAs to upload relevant information about prospective retirees, fostering transparency and collaboration between government entities and the pension administration system. The PenCom Module serves as the final step, validating the records submitted by all parties to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the pension data, thereby adding an extra layer of scrutiny to prevent errors or fraudulent activities.

adequacy against projected pension liabilities. The online enrolment system aligns seamlessly with these provisions, ensuring compliance and enhancing accountability within the pension administration landscape.

The online enrolment process for 2023 consists of three distinct stages: Registration, Verification, and Enrolment. Prospective retirees can opt for the self-assisted registration or seek assistance from PFAs. Self-assisted registration involves visiting the PenCom website, creating an account, and providing required information such as RSA PIN, NIN, personal details, and employment history. Scanned copies of necessary documents are uploaded to the system to ensure data accuracy.

During the verification stage, PFAs play a pivotal role. They meticulously crosscheck the information provided, ensuring alignment with the original or certified true copies of the required documents. PFAs also guarantee the completeness and accuracy of employment records, salary details, and relevant supporting documents. In addition, PFAs ensure that the scanned documents match the hard copies submitted to them. The PFA takes a live photograph of the retiree and prints two copies of the enrolment slip for the signature of the retiree. The retiree retains one copy, while the PFA has the second copy.

side hustle to main job.

On his part, Managing Director of Sterling Bank Limited, Abubakar Suleiman in his keynote address wants the youths to rely less on government for job but to start thinking out of the box.

To him, government is not set up to create jobs, but to enable job creation.

Like Boboye, CEO of The Africa Talent Company (parent company of Jobberman), Hilda Kragha stressed the need for youth to develop and repackage their side hustle as a means of livelihood.

It is imperative to note that adopting a digital approach brings numerous benefits, with efficiency and transparency paramount among them. By streamlining the enrolment process, prospective retirees can complete their registration and document submission at their convenience, significantly reducing the need for physical visits and bureaucratic bottlenecks. The outcome is timely budgetary provisions by the Federal Government for accrued pension liabilities and a smoother transition into retirement for workers.

The revised guidance note adheres to the legal framework provided by the Pension Reform Act (PRA) of 2014. Specifically, Section 15 of the PRA 2014 mandates the recognition of accrued pension entitlements. Section 39 establishes the Federal Government Retirement Bond Redemption Fund (RBBRF) and outlines PenCom’s role in assessing its

The online enrolment considers the challenges faced by sick or incapacitated prospective retirees. In such cases, a Next of Kin (NOK) can register on their behalf, uploading the required documents and medical reports. PFAs conduct remote verification and enrolment, ensuring that the enrolment process remains accessible to all, regardless of their physical condition.

In conclusion, online verification and enrolment represent a remarkable leap forward in pension administration. By embracing technology, streamlining processes, and ensuring transparency, PenCom is simplifying the transition into retirement for government employees and setting a precedent for modern and efficient pension fund management. As the digital era continues to reshape various sectors, Nigeria’s pension administration stands at the forefront of innovation, poised to deliver better services to workers and retirees. Prospective retirees of Federal Government Treasury Funded MDAs retiring in 2024 can look forward to a more streamlined and accessible enrolment process from 2 October to 31 December 2023.

PENCOM DG, Aisha Dahir-Umar

GTCO Records Milestone Achievements in Profits, Total Assets

Kayode Tokede

Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) half year (H1) ended June 30, 2023 audited result and accounts showed a milestone performance in profit before and total assets that translated into robust interim dividend to shareholders.

In the history of the financial institution, profit before tax crossed the N300 billion mark, and the management for the first time in its history is paying shareholders N0.50 per share as an interim dividend.

In the 2022 full financial year, GTCO declared N214.15billion profit before tax, and in the 2021 financial year, N221.5billion. Further findings showed that GTCO in 2020, it announced N238.1billion profit before tax and in 2019 and 2018, the Group announced N231.711billion and N215.6billion profit before tax, respectively.

Also, total assets crossed N8 trillion as of June 30, 2023, driven by deposits and loans & advances to customers in the period under review.

GTCO’s growth in H1 2023 is on the backdrop of weak global oil price, tied with economies across African countries continuing to experience monetary

tightening in reaction to persistent inflation rate.

The Group also achieved a milestone in gross earnings that stood at N672.6billion in H1 2023, an increase of 181.1 per cent from N239.3billion in H1 2022, driven by growth in core banking activities from increased transactional

REWARD FOR EXCELLENCE…

L-R: Mobile Harbour Crane Operator at APM Terminals Apapa, Perpetua Onyia; Sales Executive, APM Terminals, Ifedolapo Aworeni; President-General, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Adewale Adeyanju; Employee Relations Manager, APM Terminals, Benedict Nwangwu and Commercial Manager, APM Terminals Apapa, Temilade Ogunniyi during the presentation of a special recognition award to APM Terminals Apapa at the maiden Dockworkers Day celebration organised by the Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN) at the conference room of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council in Apapa, Lagos on Thursday.

volumes and enhanced other Income.

Interest earnings grew by 53.5 per cent to N225.95billion in H1 2023 from N147.2billion in H1 2022 and it is as a result of growth in earning assets volumes and improved yield during the period under review.

Average volumes was up by 21.3per cent from increased funding; similarly, earning asset yields improved to 9.93per cent in H1 2023 from 8.01per cent in H1 2022.

The growth in interest income was further supported by the 385.0per cent growth recorded on non-funded income to N446.7billion in H1 2023 from N92.1billion in H1 2022.

The key driver for the 84per cent increase in interest expense to N48.5billion in H1 2023 from N26.4billion reported in H1 2022 was the 150basis points and 70basis points pick up in in the cost of savings account and time deposits on the back of adjustment to Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) to which interest paid on savings account is indexed; 18.75per cent in H1 2023 as against 16.5per cent in December 2022.

This brings GTCO’s net interest income to N177.5billion in H1 2023, an increase of 47 per cent from N120.8billion in H1 2022.

NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

Henkel: Circular Economy Will F oster Efficient Resource Use, Value Creation

Dike Onwuamaeze

The Henkel Nigeria, a German multinational and manufacturer of WAW and Nittol detergents, has said that adaptation of circular economy would enhance efficient resource use of recyclable waste

products and provide long-term value creation in the production supply chain.

The Henkel stated this while commending the organisers of the maiden edition of the, “Lagos Circular Economy Hotspot 2023 (LCEH2023),” with the theme,

“The Future Lagos: Towards a Circular and Resourceful Economy,” an initiative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in partnership with the Lagos State Government, the African Circular Economy Network and the Circular Economy Innovation.

APM Terminals Wins Dockworkers Award, Commended by MWUN

APM Terminals Apapa was on Thursday honoured by the Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN) with a special recognition award for blazing the trail in setting new standards for the welfare of dockworkers in Nigeria.

The award was presented to APM Terminals Apapa as part of the maiden SCAN Dockworkers’ Day celebration held in Apapa, Lagos.

“APM Terminals is being honoured for successively setting a benchmark in salary, insurance, capacity building and

general welfare of dockworkers far ahead of other terminal operators in the country, and for pioneering the training of female crane operators in a predominantly male-dominated sphere, thereby increasing their skills and employability,” the association said.

HOMES & DESIGN

Live, Work in Nestoil’s Elegant Facility in Lagos

Investors in multi-floor real estate are beginning to wise up to a change in the world’s environmental demands and to the change in the usual trend of sole house types to mixed-use facilities. It is no surprise that Nestoil decided to create one of its own in Lagos. Bennett

Nestoil Limited said it realised that the world is changing – and that “our attitudes have to change with it –particularly towards the environment. The Nestoil Tower embodies that commitment.”

The Nestoil Tower was designed by ACCL Architects. The building form is conceived primarily as gentle curved surfaces of high performance glazing with horizontal tubular details to accentuate the sweeping effect of the curved facade.

Nestoil engaged the construction giant, Julius

Berger to deliver the high-rise building that represents the highest technological standard in every respect. Julius Berger is a big player in the nation’s construction industry, and wherever it operates, the company leaves an indelible landmark. So it is with its mixed-use high-rise facility in Lagos.

According to its promoters, the mixed-use high-rise building is elegant, sustainable and of the highest technological standard. The building comprises a total of 33,000m2 gross floor area on 15 floors, including a

basement level for technical equipment, fitted with office space, conference areas, a canteen and apartments. An integrated car park offers 230 spaces and a helicopter landing pad on the roof.

A curtain-type glass facade for an elegant external appearance envelops the concrete frame construction on a pile foundation. A light-coloured horizontal panel construction covers the car park that cuts into the building at the rear.

In addition, the building is characterised by outstanding sustainability and has received

the LEED “Core and Shell” silver certification, with attention paid to the aspects of energy and water efficiency, promotion of renewable energies and the use of LEED-compliant, sustainable materials during the planning and award of contract phases. The latter includes recycled materials with low VOC emissions and locally sourced materials.

Specifically, the 15-storey exquisite building has 33,000m2 gross floor area, 2,250m2 residential space, 9,850m2 office space, 230 car park spaces, 10,500m2 aluminium-glass facade, 20,000m3 concrete, 3,600t concrete steel, 66 bored piles.

Oghifo writes

Oyerinde: FG Needs Pro-growth, Business-friendly Policies to Achieve 7% Economic Growth

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has inaugurated his ministers and signed portfolios to them. What is your assessment of the president’s ministerial team?

We commend the President for the inauguration and the caliber of individuals in the cabinet. Many of the ministers have demonstrated competence in their former positions as core technocrats and known politicians. We have no question about the leadership capacity of the ministers and their understanding of the challenges that the nation is currently facing. However, we can only emphasise to the ministers that there is very little margin for error. The challenges are multidimensional and the approach to solving them should also be multidimensional.

Looking at ministers at the head key ministries like the finance, industry and labour that impact directly on the economy, do you think that we have the round pegs in round holes in these ministries?

Indeed, the ministries of Finance, Labour and Employment as well as Industry, Trade and Investment are very important just as other ministries. Mr. Wale Edu, who is the Minister of Finance also have the distinct responsibility of coordinating the economy. He is an erudite economist. We believe his choice will add value to the government and give needed focus, not only to the fiscal and monetary policy environment, but to the economy as a whole. The key task for him will be stabilising the macroeconomic environment and also ensuring inter-ministerial synergy. In the same manner, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Mr. Simon Lalong, who was the immediate past governor of Plateau State, also has his work cut out for him. With many issues that included the need to fast-track the passage of the Labour law; need to deepen social dialogue, strengthen the institutions of labour administration in the country and reform our industrial relations system, we believe that he will hit the ground running. There is no gainsaying that there is an urgent need to ensure the survival of local businesses and attract new ones. Therefore, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment will have to deepen her engagement with stakeholders in the private sector to promote investment, trade and non-oil export, while also ensuring that we aggressively promote made in Nigeria products.

As a major member of the organised private sector, what is the NECA’s expectation from these ministers?

Our major expectation is that they should maximise the opportunities available to drive the economy back to the path of growth. They should be focused and strategic in their engagements with the organised businesses in order to make their work easier and impetus to the much needed economic transformation project.

Nigerians expected that the current austere time demands a slim government but President Tinubu rather increased his ministers to 48. Sir, what signals will economic stakeholders take from this?

With the creation of new ministries, it is expected that there will be new ministers. However, rather than having ministers of state, we had expected that the permanent secretaries would have been empowered to do more. This would have reduced the cost of governance. However, with the nature and extent of the challenges we currently face, all hands must be on deck to get the economy back on track.

Tinubu in his inaugural address envisioned an economic growth of 7.0 per cent for the economy. What policy direction would you recommend to realise this scale of economic growth?

Political experts say that you campaign in poetry and govern in prose. While the 7.0 per cent economic growth projection is desirable and achievable, to do that, your policies must be pro-growth and business-friendly. A hospitable environment that will attract investment, promote local production and reduce import dependence and a regulatory/ legislative environment that compliments growth must be put in place. Without these, the desire will continue to be a mirage.

What advice do you have on organised labour’s demand for a new national minimum wage?

It is obvious that with the current economic situation, the N30,000 national minimum wage is no more sustainable, making the call for a new national minimum wage justifiable. The economic situation has eroded the value of the purchasing power of Nigerians and put organised businesses under a lot of strain. Notwithstanding this, we expect that the Minister of Labour and Employment will commence the process of reconstituting the National Minimum Wage Committee in line with the ILO Convention

131 (Minimum Wage Fixing Convention) so that the process can commence before the end of the year, 2023.

You are among those that called for a specific economic roadmap from President Tinubu. Hundred days down the road, has the president been able to come up with a specific roadmap for the economy?

So far, we have seen glimpses of the economic direction that the President Tinubu’s administration wants to thread. We hope that with the swearing-in of the ministers, a more definitive roadmap would be announced to assist general planning and alignment of organised businesses.

But the president has announced his eight-point agenda. What is tour take on this agenda?

The 8-point agenda is apt, at least it gives a general highlight of the government’s priorities. It is left for the Ministries, Agencies and Departments to drive and implement in a coordinated manner. We wish to say without mincing words that the success of the agenda depends significantly on the organised private sector. We need a healthy, thriving and sustainable private sector to help the government achieve it. The president needs to address all bottlenecks that are currently stifling the private sector, from regulatory and legislative arbitrariness to forex and security issues. Of importance also is the need for high level alignment and inter-ministerial coordination so that the contradictions witnessed in the polity in the last administration can be reduced to the barest minimum.

Stakeholders in the organised private sector welcomed the removal of petrol subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange rates. What is your view on the outcome of these policies that have resulted in a free fall for the Naira and escalation of the price of petrol?

Our option as a nation was limited as per

the removal of fuel subsidy. We believe that it is the best thing to do as we were in a deep financial hole. Also, the previous forex market under the last administration was more like a scam, because it significantly promoted round-tripping and genuine businesses hardly get the forex at the official rate. While both policies have not yielded the desired results, we strongly believe that there is no magic to it. It took us time to get into the economic rot and financial quagmire that we found ourselves today as a nation and it will take us some time to get out of it. We urge the government to stay focused on the implementation of these policies, consult more with stakeholders, ramp up forex revenue, get the refineries back on track and block leakages (oil theft, etc.) Going back to the era of fuel subsidy and unregulated forex market will be catastrophic for us as a nation.

Is there any need for the unseen hands of the government to moderate the interplay of the market forces in the management of the economy?

Absolutely! With our level of development and the nature of our economy, the government cannot hand over the economy strictly to the market forces. There should be some moderate regulations. Nations that leave their economy to the interplay of market forces have strong regulatory framework that guides and controls the excesses of operators in that economy. Our regulatory framework is not yet so strong.

What is your view on the palliative measures being rolled out by the federal and state governments to cushion the hardship of recent government’s policies? Is that the way to go?

We commend the government for making the effort because nothing less would have been expected. There is no gainsaying that the palliative measures are not comprehensive enough, but they do count for something. Our major fear is that the palliatives might not get to those that really need them because those who really need them are the most vulnerable that made up the over 100 million Nigerians that are multi dimensionally poor. We urge the government to step up its support for Nigerians and organised businesses to enable us weather the storm of this difficult time. It is also important that a clear and definitive distributive framework that is transparent and credible be communicated to Nigerians to enable proper tracking and ensuring accountability.

The manufacturing sector is in quandary. What measures would you recommend to President Tinubu to revive the sector?

There is urgent need to support the manufacturing sector and indeed all sectors. The textile sub-sector of the manufacturing sector is already in comatose, ditto many others. There is need to promote the patronage of made in Nigeria products, support backward integration and improve on our ease of doing business rating. In addition, for Nigerians to maximally benefit from the AfCFTA, we have to ramp up the provision of relevant infrastructure for the manufacturing sector and make FOREX available for the importation of inputs, pending when we can adequately achieve backward integrate in the long term.

What is NECA’s role in creating employment opportunities and encouraging a good work place for Nigerian workers?

At NECA, we promote responsible enterprises and believe strongly in decent work. We have invested time and built collaborations towards employment generation over the years. We currently have a thriving partnership with the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), on technical and vocational skills project. Thousands of young Nigerians had been trained and assisted to either get jobs or become entrepreneurs. Also, we currently run series of employability development projects that aim to assist young Nigerians to up skill themselves to be fit for employment. These programmes and projects are ongoing.

What is your view on the need to appoint a substantive governor for the Central Bank of Nigeria without further delay?

We currently have an acting governor and the substantive Governor of CBN, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, is just under suspension. We believe that a new governor would be appointed as soon as the current occupier is relieved of his duties or his tenure elapsed.

“With the creation of new ministries, it is expected that there will be new ministers. However, rather than having ministers of state, we had expected that the permanent secretaries would have been empowered to do more.”

Oyerinde

The Director General of Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Assembly, Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, in this interview enjoined President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ministerial team to maximise opportunities to restore Nigeria’s economy on the path to growth.  Dike Onwuamaeze  brings the excerpt:

FG Launches Five-year Plan to Boost Potato Production

Seriki Adinoy

The federal government has launched a five-year national strategic plan to boost potato production in Nigeria.

Speaking in Jos, Plateau State, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari said the government aim to stimulate economic growth through various agricultural value chain activities.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, he added that the agricultural value chain activities will create employment opportunities and improved livelihoods for the teeming youths and women.

Kyari stated that implementing the National Potato Strategy from 2023 to 2028 will follow in the footsteps of the Rice policy to usher in an era of productive

competitiveness in the Nigerian potato industry.

He added, “The essence of this strategy is to ensure sustainable food and nutrition security with a view to catalysing the rapid transformation of the Nigerian potato sector into a commercially viable sub-sector of the Agricultural Value Chains as a major export product.”

He said, “The Ministry is aware of the challenges in the agricultural sector and necessary measures are being taken to address them accordingly. And that is why the ministry is embarking on massive production, processing, value addition, and product development to be the bedrock for driving our industries.

“This launching couldn’t have been better timed, following President’s recent directive on the intensification of crop

production. I have no doubt that the Nigerian Potato industry has the potential to become globally competitive given the country’s strong comparative advantage in production.”

On his part, the Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang thanked the federal government for its efforts at boosting food production in the country.

Represented by the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Bugama Samson, the governor who described the state as a home of potato production in the country assured that his administration will do everything possible to ensure that the five-year national potato strategic plan achieves success in the state.

He said, “We will make sure that the goal of putting the resources together comes to fruition.”

Serial Property Entrepreneur Launches Book for Entrepreneurship Devt

Gilbert Ekugbe

A United Kingdom based serial property entrepreneur and a member of Forbes Coaches Council, Dr. Daniel Moses, has launched his latest book to highlight steps for entrepreneurs to overcome challenges and provide practical advice for achieving success in their personal and professional lives.

In a momentous gathering that drew attendees from various corners of the globe, Moses celebrated the launch of his book titled, “The Test: Transition from the Ordinary to the Extraordinary.” He explained that the book

aims to inspire entrepreneurs to unlock their true potential and achieve extraordinary success.

According to him, the book launch, however, was not just about showcasing his literary prowess; but was a testament to his personal journey and the lives he has transformed and how other growing entrepreneurs can transform.

The event, held in the scenic backdrop at the Bromley football stadium Kent in London, marked not only the unveiling of a new literary masterpiece but also the convergence of individuals from diverse backgrounds, brought together by their

shared pursuit of success.

Moses has been making waves not only as a property entrepreneur but also as an author, with tow-time Amazon bestsellers to his name.

The event was nothing short of a resounding success, with attendees comprising friends, clients, and members of the successful wealth circle community—individuals who have benefitted from Moses’ guidance and expertise over the years.

Throughout the day, an air of joy, peace, and strength enveloped the gathering, mirroring the qualities he has consistently demonstrated in his own life.

Flutterwave Partners Wema Bank, Kadavra BDC To Launch Swap

Kayode Tokede

Flutterwave, Africa’s leading payments technology company has announced the launch of Swap, a digital foreign exchange trading solution, in partnership with Wema Bank Plc and Kadavra BDC.

Swap is a cutting-edge solution that is backed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to serve as a secure & reliable digital platform for Nigerians to have immediate access to foreign currency at competitive exchange rates.

Commenting on the product launch, Founder and CEO of Flutterwave, Olugbenga ‘GB’ Agboola, at a presss conference in

Lagos said “At Flutterwave, our dedication to innovation is matched only by our commitment to simplifying financial processes for endless possibilities. Swap represents a significant leap forward in how Nigerians will engage with foreign exchange.

“We understand the FX access challenges individuals and businesses face, and Swap is our answer to those pain points, providing a seamless and efficient platform for currency exchange. We are honored to have secured regulatory approval and the trust of our partners Kadavra BDC and Wema Bank to bring this life changing solution to Nigerians.”

CEO, Kadavra BDC, Cynthia Onyinyechi, said: “Swap is a step in the right direction for solving major FX problems for Nigerians, and has simplified the process for accessing foreign currency at the click of a button.”

Adding to this, Managing Director, Wema Bank, Moruf Oseni said, “Our support for digital innovation in the Nigerian finance industry has been unrivaled since the launch of our digital Bank, ALAT. As a bank that is committed to digital innovation, we are proud to be on this journey with Flutterwave because we believe a product like Swap will have a major impact across all sectors.”

Verve, Moniepoint Partner to Launch Debit Card

Nume Ekeghe

Verve, a payment cards and digital tokens brand has joined forces with Moniepoint Microfinance Bank, a financial institution, to increase access to financial services for Nigerians through the launch of the Moniepoint Verve Debit Card.

A statement from the firm noted that this partnership marks a significant stride towards the revolutionization of personal banking and the deepening of financial inclusion in Nigeria. Cardholders, the statement

added, will also be beneficiaries of Verve’s reward programs among other exciting promotional initiatives.

The statement added that Verve and Moniepoint’s collaboration is a testament to the brands’ shared commitment to providing seamless and secure payment options for customers.

Managing Director Verve International, Interswitch Group, Vincent Ogbunude, remarked, “This partnership between Verve and Moniepoint echoes our collective vision to empower every Nigerian with the tools

L-R: Managing Director, APT Securities and Funds Limited, Kasım Garba Kurfi; Executive Director, Investments, ARM Pension Managers, Abimbola Sulaiman; Managing Director, Custodian Life Assurance Limited, Larry Ademeso; Chairperson, Nigerian Association of Insurance and Pension Editors (NAIPE), Nkechi Naecher Esezobor; Chief Investment Officer, Access Pensions, Wale Okunrinboye and Lead, Research and Investment, Pension Fund Operators Association of Nigeria, Akinbola Akintola at the 8th Annual National Conference of NAIPE in Lagos… recently

MARKET INDICATORS

and services needed to participate fully in the modern economy.

“As we journey towards a financially inclusive Nigeria, this collaboration stands as a testament to our commitment to making secure and convenient financial services accessible to all.”

Also commenting on the partnership is Acting MD, Moniepoint MFB, Babatunde Olofin, who noted , “We are thrilled to join hands with Verve , as we extend unparallel financial experience businesses have enjoyed from us to their customers and employees as well.”

Money

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT 25 AUGUST, 2023

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $85.71 a barrel on Thursday, compared with $85.84 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

Unity Bank Announces N333.38bn Deposits from Customers

Kayode Tokede

Unity Bank Plc has announced N333.38billion deposits from customers as of June 30, 2023, representing an increase of two per cent from N327.42 billion recorded in full year ended December 31, 2022.

The unaudited financial statement submitted to the Nigeria Exchange Limited (NGX) showed growth in deposits from customers that

demonstrated gains by the lender from its commitment to deepening its retail footprint through a well-diversified banking product suites that caters to different segments of the retail market.

The net loans portfolio reduced significantly by 31per cent to N198.6billion as at June 30, 2023 from N289.4Billion in 2022. The Bank’s Non-Performing Loan (NPL) ratio remained moderate

at below three per cent, while liquidity ratio stood strong at over 45per cent.

The lender closed June 30, 2023 with N509.99billion total assets as against N510.14billion reported in 2022 financial year.

Other highlights of the unaudited financial statement include gross income and total assets, which recorded N27.5 billion as against N27.4 billion and N512.1 billion from N510.1 billion respectively within the

period under review.

However, the Bank’s profit for the period was impacted by foreign exchange revaluation on the back of Nigeria’s recent FX liberalization policy, “resulting in a slide in our position.”

“Notwithstanding, the retail lender grew its FX trading income significantly by 17per cent to N239.8 million from N204.4 million in the corresponding period of 2022, underscoring the Bank’s strategic focus on

diversifying and growing its earnings portfolio.

“Similarly, fees and income commission also witnessed a 10per cent growth to N3.5 billion from N3.2 billion compared to the corresponding period of 2022, on the strength of the growing popularity of its digital banking platforms and customers’ acquisition in the retail space, “the bank said in a statement.

Commenting on the

financial statements, the Managing Director/CEO of Unity Bank Plc, Mrs. Tomi Somefun noted that the significant disruptions which characterized the operating environment has impacted the positions of the Bank to the extent that we have constraints in income generation on the back of revaluation of the bank’s net foreign liabilities occasioned by the Naira devaluation during the period.

PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED ASOF SEPTEMBER/8/23

2023 WORLD PHYSIOTHERAPY DAY...

Imo Guber Election: Uzodimma’s Chances

Brighten as Anglicans Queue Behind Him

APC unveils Lady Ekomaru as running mate

The chances of the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, in the November 11 governorship election, has increased a major boost as Anglicans have queued behind him and his deputy governorship candidate, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, who was unveiled yesterday by the leadership of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The latest twist to the Imo governorship poll, played out yesterday at the Cathedral Church of the Transfiguration of our Lord (CATOL) where the APC deputy governorship candidate and her family, held a special thanking over her choice.

The programme, however, attracted the top hierarchy of the Anglican Communion in the state,

with the Primate of the All Nigeria (Anglican Communion) Church, Most Rev Dr. Henry Ndukuba represented by the Archbishop of the Anglican Ecclesiastical Province of Owerri, Most Rev Dr David Onuoha.

Bishop Onuoha assured the governor that the primate, who was unavoidably absent would be present at his post-election thanksgiving.

In his sermon, Bishop Onuoha said though Lady Ekomaru was chosen among the lot by Governor Uzodimma based on the grace of God, only God knew whom he wanted to qualify.

He however, reminded Lady Ekomaru that since the grace of God had located her for the job,

Imo: UNICEF, Global Fund to Upgrade

she also has the responsibility to work hard to qualify herself by not disappointing God and the expectations of the man whom God used to qualify her.

In his remarks, Uzodimma said he would not take the support of the Imo people, particularly, the Church for granted, adding: "Mrs Ekomaru will no doubt add value

to this ticket. I ask the Body of Christ to pray fervently for the success and victory of our ticket.

"The evil ones are gathering, but they shall scatter. I will continue

to serve Imo people with the fear of God. The Church will serve the people and the government will serve the people and together united we will serve the people better.”

NCC Sensitises Bauchi Residents against e-Fraud

Advises them to disregard request for release of their bank accounts, ATM PINs

Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has enjoined Nigerians to shun any text message requesting them to release any information or figures on their Automated Teller Machine(ATM) Cards, bank accounts or passwords to avoid falling victims of electronic fraud.

at the weekend, stressed that the sensitisation was meant to protect the general public from fraudsters electronically.

The sensitisation exercise which was held in Bauchi with the theme, “Shine Your Eyes, No Fall Mugu” was organised by the NCC in collaboration with Aisha Akwaku & Associates, drew hundreds of participants from Bauchi local government area.

were still being defrauded due to unnecessary trust in family, friends and strangers by exposing their sensitive information on the internet and offline, pointing out that the public needed to be abreast with the tactics being used by fraudsters, for them to know how to avert them.

anyone, "no matter how close they are to you.”

“This information include, the 16 - digit number, three- digit number at the back, card name,expiry date and the card PIN,” he added.

Medical

Warehouses to Meet International Standards

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and Global Fund have gone into collaboration to ensure the upgrading of central medical warehouses in Imo State to meet international standards for the provision of quality health needs of the people.

In an official handover ceremony of the facilities in Owerri, by the Imo State government to UNICEF, at the weekend, UNICEF’s Acting Chief of Enugu Field Office, Mr. Olusoji Akinleye, said the event marked a turning point in the provision of quality healthcare facilities to the citizens.

Akinleye, who was represented by a UNICEF Contract Specialist, Mr. Benjamin Makolo, said the project, expected to be completed by December 2023, was aimed at strengthening the state’s logistic management system as part of its health system.

According to him, “this is a multi-partner venture, with the Global Fund taking the lead in providing the resources for the project.”

He added, "It is aimed at strengthening the country’s supply chain management system and 22 states were selected out of 36 of which Imo is one of them.

“The principal recipient for the grant is National Tuberclosis and Leprosy Control Programme (NTBLCP) with the UNICEF taking care of the technical coordination and construction of the warehouses.

“Other collaborating government

partners include the National Product Supply Chain Management Program (NPSCMP), National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC), and Department of Health Planning, Research and Statistics (DHPRS).”

In his remarks, the UNICEF’s Head of Vaccine Supply Logistics (VSL) in Imo, Mr. Benjamin Nwabuisi, said a bidding process had taken place and vendors selected, with paper work already completed for the commencement of the project.

"The bidding process has been concluded and vendors selected, MoUs have been signed with the states and we’re here today for the sites to be handed over by the state government to the vendors for construction work to commence,” he said.

The Director of Projects, MP Infrastructure, the contractors for the project, Mr. Pius Ike, said it would be a fast-track project, involving various levels of upgrade of existing warehouses.

Speaking, the Imo Commissioner for Health, Dr. Success ProsperOhayagha, thanked the UNICEF and its partners for thinking toward the state.

He restated the commitment of the Hope Uzodinma-led government to effective health care reforms and development, adding that the project would receive full support from the state’s Ministry of Health.

The commission also warned Nigerians, particularly residents of Bauchi State over the increase in electronic fraud that's impacting their hard earned money through their commercial banks and the Point of Sales (PoS).

The Director, Consumer Affairs of the NCC, Alhaji Umar Alkassim, who gave the warning at a one-day sensitisation in Bauchi metropolis

The Director, represented by the commission's Head, Consumer Policy Department and Monitoring Unit, Consumer Affairs Bureau, Mr. Banji Ojo said the essence was to continue the Commission’s Consumer-centric initiative of dishing out adequate information to the people, for them to protect themselves.

Alkassim, lamented that telecommunications subscribers

He said the commission was collaborating with critical stakeholders, such as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and other relevant agencies in the fight against e- banking fraudsters country.

The Director then warned the people not to give the five vital information on their debit cards to

In his remarks, the Bauchi State Commissioner of Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises, Muhammad Hamisu Shira, commended the commission for the initiative, saying that it would help consumers to learn about protecting their financial transactions electronically.

Shira, represented by the Ministry’s Director of Cooperatives, Alhaji Usman Adamu Gitals, said the sensitisation was apt in view of the increasing number of fraud activities being perpetrated by some unpatriotic people.

Organ Harvesting: Accused Doctor Becomes Unstable in Cell, Rushed to Hospital

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

A doctor, Noah Kekere, alleged to have removed a woman's kidney in Jos, Plateau State, has reportedly become unstable while in the police cell at the state police command Saturday evening. Kekere was arrested on Wednesday following a report to the Nasarawa Gown police division for alleged removal of the right kidney of Mrs. Kehinde Kamal

during an operation in 2018.

Prior to his arrest, Kekere has been carrying out medical treatment including surgery for more than two decades at his Murna Clinic and Maternity, Yanshanu, Jos North Local Government Area of the state. The state police command had earlier confirmed him arrest, after which he pleaded guilty but blamed the act on the devil's handiwork.

THISDAY gathered that Kekere was rushed to the Psychiatric unit

of Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) on Saturday evening after he began to exhibit symptoms of madness in police cell.

A source from the police headquarters confirmed to newsmen that the suspected organ harvester was taken to the hospital, when he started tearing his clothes in the cell and started behaving like a mad person, adding that, "This made the police to rush him to Jos University Teaching Hospital

in handcuff."

Another source from the hospital also confirmed that Kekere was admitted at the psychiatric department of the hospital, saying "On arrival, he was just screaming and yelling: "They want to silence my daughter o."

The source said mobile policemen had since taken over the Psychiatric unit of the Jos University Teaching Hospital to ensure that the suspect did not escape.

Tribunal Upholds Moro, Achado’s N’Assembly Elections

George Okoh in Makurdi

The National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Makurdi, Benue State, yesterday, upheld the election of Senator Patrick Abba Moro, the Senator representing Benue South senatorial district.

The tribunal also upheld the election of a member of the House of Representative, Asema Achado of the Gwer seat

The tribunal dismissed the petition filed by the defeated senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Benue South,

Comrade Daniel Onje, challenging the victory of Moro of the PDP.

Justice Ory Zik-Ikeoeha, who delivered the judgement on behalf of two other Justices, held that the petitioner had failed to prove allegations of irregularities he listed in his prayers.

According to her, Onje also failed to prove allegations of non-qualification of Moro to contest the senatorial election, saying Moro had won by a majority of valid votes cast at the polls.

The Legal Adviser of the PDP in the state, Clement Mue, described the judgement as sound, noting that Moro won at the polls and was confirmed

by the tribunal.

However, the lead counsel for Comrade Onje, Adetunji Osho, rejected the decision of the tribunal, saying he would sit with his client to review it to know the next line of action.

In the case of Achado, the tribunal said the petitioner Hon Emmanuel Uka failed to provide any shred of cogent and compelling evidence to ground the alleged offences against Achado.

The said, “Section 65 of the Nigerian Constitution provides for the nature of the certificate required for contesting election into the National Assembly and that, Form EC9 relied upon by

the Petitioner Hon. Emmanuel Ukaa in evidence was misconstrued as a certificate,”

The Tribunal further held that, “The second Respondent, Asema Achado’s evidence and academic certificates tendered were not challenged by the petitioner, Hon. Emmanuel Ukaa, whose evidence was porous, contradictory, battered under crossexamination, lacked iota of substance and grossly fell short of establishing any single element required by law to prove allegations of forgery in an election petition.”

The tribunal, therefore, struck it out.

L-R: Director, Health and Social Care, National Senior Citizen Centre, Prof. Badiru Fatai; Registrar, Medical Rehabilitation Therapist Board of Nigeria, Prof. Ahmed Yusuf; Program Director/ Country Manager, Results for Development Institute (R4D), Abuja, Prof. Felix Obi; Head, Physiotherapy Department, State House, Abuja, Aldrich Ilechukwu and Representative, National Orientation Agency, Mr. Tope Alabi, during the celebration of 2023 World Physiotherapy Day held in Abuja at the weekend ENOCK REUBEN

Shettima: Nigeria Needs N21trn To Address 28m Housing Deficit

Lays foundation for 500-unit housing estate by sokoto govt

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

Vice President Kashim

Shettima has disclosed that despite efforts by all tiers of government, Nigeria's housing deficit remains huge as N21 trillion will be required to effectively bridge the gap.

Shettima, who stated this Sunday in Sokoto at the groundbreaking for the construction of a 500-unit Housing Estate by the state government commended the State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu for his efforts to address the housing needs of his people and noted that the housing deficit in Nigeria remained a huge challenge.

According to him: "Nigeria has a deficit of 28 million houses and we will need N21 trillion to meet our housing needs.

"This step taken by the Governor is highly commendable and worthy of emulation by other State governments. The Governor has started well

by completing the roads and flyovers he inherited".

Earlier in his remarks, Governor Aliyu said the housing estate will be for

civil servants and would be sold to them when completed on an owner-occupier basis.

"This is a project that was initiated by the former

Governor of the State, Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko but was later abandoned by the immediate past administration but we are

determined to complete it for the benefit of our workers and the general public," he said.

The Governor disclosed

that the project located at Wamakko Local Government Area of the State will cost the State government N7.3 billion to complete.

UNODC Promises Continuous Support Nigeria’s Fight against Forest Crimes

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The United Nations Office of Drug Crimes (UNODC) has promised continuous support for Nigeria’s strategic plan towards combating forest crimes.

The Country representative of the agency, Mr. Oliver Stolpe, gave the promise during a courtesy visit to the Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Iziaq Salako, in Abuja.

Stolpe, while revealing that the UNODC had been partnering with the ministry and other relevant stakeholders in the environmental sector for some years, said his visit was to discuss how his agency could be of help the Ministry to achieved its vision.

He said, “With the general

support of the government of Germany and the EU we have embarked on different projects to help the Ministry and other stakeholders to develop the first ever National Strategy to combat wildlife and forest crime in Nigeria, it is really a milestone and great achievement and of course the real work of the strategy has been adopted.”

He added that the UNODC was also partnering with the Nigeria Custom Service, National Park Service to give life to the National strategy, while also reiterating the UNODC commitment in ensuring that the Nigerian environment is protected.

The Minister of State for Environment, Dr Iziaq Salako in his response, said he was

SLAVERY IS NOT AN OPTION

from the troubling road Nigeria was traveling we would be obliged to turn elsewhere to advance the Nigeria project, it’s cause, and course.

I knew the New Fabians, a reformist social action and discussion group I helped found, were working towards my being the candidate of the Third Force that would bring the Labour movement, several Political Parties and breakaway elements in PDP and APC together under one banner.

But in a Live Radio interview in Enugu on May 5 2022 I said the best deal for Nigeria would be if PDP nominated Peter Obi, and APC, Dr Ogbonaya Onu . Those were capable people people of character from a number of unworthy aspirants from that part of our national geography.

I figured in a three way context Nigeria would be the winner whoever of the tree of us emerged from a free and fair contest.

I knew the system was corrupted but not such that those who through state capture had bled government treasuries dry with the effect of many dying from poor state services could draw from the ocean of resources they had primitively accumulated to buy the nomination of their Party, but I did not realize the extent of the narcissism that could’ have caused the blindness to the inclusion and social justice issues threatening the possibilities of Nigeria. Neither Obi nor Onu were in a position to win the nomination bidding wars laced with treachery and votes for cash.

When the Labour Party harvested Peter Obi as aspirant under the wings of the party I was actually given to believe the Labour Unions

we had been working with would choose a Political Party other than Labour as platform for engagement. But Femi Falana(SAN) and one of the New Fabians, insisted The NLC should retrieve the Labour Party and go with it. He procured a consent judgment to that effect and we found ourselves partners with Peter Obi, working on issues based campaign pushing for rational public conversation on the afflictions of Nigeria.

The vexed other side turned to emotions and parochial deepening of the cleavages Nigeria desperately needed to bridge. More disturbing for me was a disposition to totally, even, violently forcefully dominate others and bully people, violently or by all forms of blackmail and then to cow them when elections were falsified.

My worst fears were brought alive when America’s NDI and IRI delegations from the US who I had accused in the past of hear no evil and see no evil so long as there was peace and quiet questioned the conduct of the elections. Then the EU and CARITAS reports came. The consensus was that the elections were a farce.

Notice that all through I have not said this or that person won. I was interested in the credulity of the process.

As a partisan I supported a candidate but as a citizen I wanted a system that worked well enough to provide the legitimacy necessary to lead and solve a myriad of problems facing Nigeria. Had Sowore or Atiku Abubakar or anybody else come through such a process I would quickly congratulate them whether or not my goals were projected through their

UNITE FOR PEACE IN THE WORLD AND TAIWAN’S INCLUSION IN THE UN

Ukraine’s incredible bravery and resilience have inspired countries around the globe. The war there has forged a new sense of togetherness in the world. Unity is crucial to pushing back against Russia’s aggression and to preserving universal values, such as human rights and global peace, more broadly.

It is vital to make China and other authoritarian governments aware that they will be held accountable and to urge them to settle differences through peaceful means. Allowing Taiwan to meaningfully

participate in the UN system would benefit the world’s efforts to address pressing global issues. This would also demonstrate the UN’s determination to unite for global peace at a critical juncture when the future of the world is at stake.

We are stronger together. Now is the time to act on this fundamental principle by including Taiwan.

*Jaushieh Joseph Wu is the Minister of Foreign Affairs Republic of China (Taiwan)

ready to work in collaboration with relevant stakeholders in promoting the Nigerian Biodiversity.

He said his administration was determined to protect the environment which is one of his core mandate.

He added: “The environment is a gift from God, every member of the environment, from animal, plants and nonliving things has a role to play, and man as a head of that pinnacle has a responsibility to ensure that there is harmonious and symbiotic relationship between every member of the environment, therefore we have the responsibility to protect the plants, protect the animals, so that our planet earth can remain in harmonious relationship where everybody

candidacy.

can have the benefit of the gift of God.”

He noted that the ministry would create more awareness on issues relating to the environment while also ensuring that it delivers on its mandate.

He said: “I want to assure you as the Minister of State for Environment my office will be opened, the Ministry is available for collaboration on the issue of creating awareness which is very critical because quite a number of things we do in the Ministry are as a result of adverse human activities, therefore we have a duty in trying to deliver on our mandate to ensure that we create the level of awareness for our people I am going to looking up to UNODC in

As I repeated frequently the four leading candidates were friends of mine of many decades. Still it did not stop me from asking myself the hard question about the long term good of Nigeria and it’s young people who are by far the majority but very much victims of a rent seeking old guard quite able to stop at nothing to protect undeserved advantages in the system.

In the 2023 elections this old guard went far too far. I became convinced that if Citizenship conduct did not stop the emerging order Nigeria would become far worse than the Banana Republics of old . The culture of public life has sunk so low that the odium oozing out desperately calls for disinfecting unless our desire is to invite decay.

When the ascendance of pure trash approaches its apogee in a society where citizenship is in retreat the will of that society to think and act so it can adapt to its changing environment simply tumbles into collapse.

Wearing my Prophet Amos vestments I had repeatedly pointed thinking Nigerians to the robust works of Jared Diamond in Guns, Getms and Steel, and even more importantly in Collapse , on how societies have failed throughout human history. Nigeria has been positioning for collapse for quite a while and the current Usurpation may just be the final straw that breaks the Camels back Desperate acts to shock culture back to live are required. That is what we had to do during the Abacha usurpation by canvassing international sanctions, taking to the streets and occupying the media. Yet these times are more perilous for the Nigeria project than under Abacha.

This is a time for an accounting to history. Sanctions against our country, sadly, must become the battle cry for all.

I want to assure that my fears for the present state of Nigeria have come from very sober digest of extant conduct. I have watched some people who hailed me as unique citizen in 1973 and marched with me in 1993/94 succumb to emotional parochial pitches of a divisive nature seeking to separate us and them then turn their Back to truth. It is not their fall from Citizen wannabes to the lower levels of tribesmen and even idiots, in the old Greek rankings that alarmed me so much but the collective failure to see how human

supporting in whatever way in achieving this.”

The minister also appealed for more support and collaboration from the UNODC in ensuring that the country’s national parks were safe from wildlife crime.

He said the ministry was also working on how to used technology in maintaining security in the national parks.

Salako said: “In our national parks, we have challenges of maintaining security and we are looking at how to used technology in maintaining security because if the parks are not safe visitors, tourists won’t come and if we cannot secure our parks most of these animals we are talking about will be illegally taken and traded, I hope UNODC will also support us in this.”

progress proceeds, and that the path Nigeria was traveling seemed assurance that progress would elude us.

I was full of compassion and tried not to judge too harshly those who had climbed down the totem pole from citizenship in the face of emotions triggered by parochial pressures from demagogues and fascists. It was a global phenomenon at play from Trumps America to Nationalists in Europe justifying the work of the Centre for Moral Cognition at Harvard bringing together Neuroscience, Psychology and Philosophy to explain how the new moral tribes are arising. But it was clear from my own work that Institutions, Values and Meritocracy helped define modernity and progress that to allow an emerging fascist order taking form in Nigeria to fasten its grip on the country without resistance would be a collaboration in evil. The fangs of this emerging order of which the Buhari-Tinubu Usurpation is central, glorifies the crippling of institutions such as INEC and the Judiciary, the Collapse of culture so evident in the huge character deficit in almost all who lead the three arms of the usurped state, and the contempt of the emerging order for merit which Adrian Wooldridge nicely characterizes as the Aristocracy of talent which has shaped the modern world. Not to resist such an emerging anti democratic order would be to be complicit in the demise of the idea of Nigeria.

It is as such that I invoke the Spirit of Mahatma Ghandi, Martin Luther King Jnr , and Nelson Mandela in calling for Isolation of the captured State in Nigeria with sanctions as we called for under Abacha.

I shall commit to a non-violence resistance to the Usurpation in Abuja even as I insist that Nigeria is more deserving of invasion to restore democracy than Niger is.

The goal of the Ysurpation is really truly the enslavement ‘of ‘those not us’ and there is no place for a new slave trade. We must free the black man from 1000 years of servitude that is the effect of this criminal hijack of politics I warned about four years ago. Only global action by Nigerians anywhere they may be will save us.

So let this freedom manifesto be be shared to all men of goodwill for slavery is not an option.

May God save our Fatherland.

PARTNERSHIP FOR EFFICIENT SERVICES……

L-R: Managing Director and Vice President, Migo Nigeria, Mr. Winston Osuchukwu; Managing Director, HumanManager Limited, Adekunbi Ademiluyi; Head, Brand and Marketing, HumanManager Limited, Mr. Olakunle Yusuff, and Head, Sales and Business Development, Migo Nigeria, Mr. Chuck Anitche, at the press conference on the activities and partnership between Migo Nigeria and HumanManager Limited held in Lagos… recently

Fubara Tasks Security Agencies on Arrest of Killers of DPO

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Rivers State Governor, Mr. Siminalayi Fubara, has charged security agencies in the state to apprehend the killers of late SP. Bako Angbashim, the Ahoada Divisional Police Officer (DPO), who was gruesomely killed on Friday by some criminals in Odiemudie community, Ahoada Local Government Area. This as the River State Police

Command has announced that it has arrested six suspects for the killing of the DPO.

A statement that issued yesterday by the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP. Grace Iringe-Koko, yesterday, said that the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Emeka Nwonyi Nwonyi, who led the team to Odiemudie community in a bid to recover the body of the DPO, on Saturday, arrested the six persons who were

Boat Mishap Claims 26 in Niger

Laleye Dipo in Minna

Not less than 26 people have been confirmed dead in a boat mishap that happened in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State on Sunday.

Unknown numbers of persons in the ill-fated canoe are still missing.

According to a source, the boat capsized after running into a stormy weather on the River Niger.

The deceased who are mostly women and children were said to be members of four communities

sighted within the community and in possession of some dangerous weapons.

According to Iringe-Koko,

“the Commissioner of Police, Nwonyi Emeka, along with his management team and tactical units, conducted an operation

on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at approximately 06.00hrs in Odumude community, Ahoada East LGA, Rivers State with the

objective to recover the deceased DPO’s body and conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the community.

Oyebanji Presents Armoured Personnel Carriers, Vehicles, Gadgets to Police in Ekiti

Gbenga SodeindeinAdoEkiti

Worried by the recent news of insecurity threats in Ekiti State, Governor Biodun Oyebanji has donated two Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), 10 operational vehicles and other security equipment

in New Gbajibo Ekwa, Yankeide and were said to be heading towards their farms in Old Gbajibo before the accident occurred.

The Chairman of Mokwa Local Government Area, Mr. Jibrin Muregi, confirmed the story, adding that rescue efforts are presently ongoing as 21 bodies have been recovered from the river.

The Acting Director of Niger State Emergency Management Agency, Mr. Garba Saliu, also confirmed the incident, saying that Marine Policemen have moved into the area in search of other travelers in the canoe.

Group Urges Nigerians to Shun Planned Protest

The Yoruba Initiative (TYI), a think tank of Yoruba professionals, intellectuals and entrepreneurs, has urged Nigerians, particularly the youths, to shun the ‘Occupy Nigeria’ protest planned by a group and slated to take off on Tuesday.

The organisers of the planned protest led by a well-known public affairs commentator and university don, Professor Pat Utomi, had called on Nigerians to come out en masse on the scheduled date, to occupy public spaces and facilities in protest against the dismissal by the Presidential Election Petition Court

(PEPC) of the petitions filed before it by the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) and their presidential candidates against the election of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as president in last February’s general election.

In a statement signed by its Director of Publicity, Mr. Tunde Ipinmisho, TYI said the action of the organisers of the planned protest is nothing but a self-serving device to destroy the foundations of the nation’s democratic order.

Obaseki Celebrates Esama of Benin, Gabriel Igbinedion, at 89

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has felicitated the Esama of Benin Kingdom, Sir (Chief) Dr. Osawaru Gabriel Igbinedion, on his 89th birthday anniversary.

The governor, in a statement, eulogised the Esama of Benin’s contribution to various sectors of the nation’s economy.

He said: “On this auspicious occasion of your eighty-ninth birthday, I am filled with heartfelt gratitude as I join the House of Igbinedion in celebrating you,

my father, our father, and a true father of Edo State.

“The remarkable impact you have had on our lives and the legacy you have built in the state and the nation deserves commendation. Generations, born and unborn, will live to share tales of your great exploits as a titan of industries and a pioneer of pioneers. “A relentless pace setter, you paved the way for others to follow and created new frontiers that opened limitless opportunities for Edo people.”

and gadgets to the Ekiti State Command of the Nigeria Police to ensure safer and more peaceful environment in the state. Presenting the vehicles and equipment during the weekend at the Fajuyi Pavilion in Ado Ekiti, Governor Oyebanji said that the

vehicles were meant to assist the activities of the command and boost the morale of its officers and men, adding that the bedrock of good governance is peace and security without which no development is possible.

He noted that the security

challenges facing the nation were enormous and urged the state command to be proactive and engage more in intelligence-gathering and community policing rather than allowing criminals to perpetrate their heinous crime before rising to the situation.

You Can’t Reassign Ebonyi South Senatorial Seat to Family Member, LP Candidate Tells Umahi

Benjamin Nworie in Abakaliki

Ebonyi South Senatorial Candidate of the Labour Party(LP), Hon. Linus Abaa Okorie, has chided the Minister of Works and former occupant of the seat, David Umahi that he lacked the locus to determine

who replaces him as a Senator of the zone.

Umahi had claimed during his courtesy call on Ebonyi State Governor, Chief Francis Nwifuru, that he would choose the person who would fly the ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the

senatorial re-run of the zone.

The minister also insisted that the position would still remain in his Ohaozara local government where his younger brother, Austin Umahi and the former Commissioner for Investment, Mrs Chioma Nweze were already rumoured to be

possible replacements. However, Umahi’s challenger in the senatorial election and candidate of the LP, Okorie, noted that it was tending to malignant desperation for Umahi to be assigning and re-assigning a position that was still subject of litigation.

Substance Abuse: ‘Drugs Transported to Abuja, Concealed in Cows’

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

The pro-democracy group, Network Against Corruption and Trafficking(NACAT) in collaboration with the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency has held a roadwalk sensitisation campaign against

the use of hard drugs in Abuja. The sensitisation campaign came on the heels of an investigation carried out by NACATT where the group discovered that an abattoir, located close to a cattle market in the Karu, Abuja by the boundary between

the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Nassarwa State, was a major hub for the sales of illicit drugs like crack, codeine, molly, tramadol, refnol, Rochi, Arizona, Loud (Canadian and Ghanaian loud).

A primary abattoir drug dealer, who spoke to NACAT

on the condition of anonymity during the investigation, said the drugs are mainly bought in bulk from Delta, Edo, and Oyo States. He noted that they are hidden in food items like bags of garri, rice, cattle, among others and transported to Abuja.

We ‘ll Resolve Your Challenges, Minister Assures Nigerian Businesses in India

The Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, has assured Nigerian businesses in India of the support of the federal government in resolving challenges related to doing business in that country.

Uzoka-Anite stated this in New Delhi, India, during an

interactive session with the Nigerian community, attended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Governors of Kwara and Ogun States, the Honourable Ministers of Foreign Affairs; Finance; Budget and Economic Planning; Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy; the Nigerian High

Commissioner to India, and other senior government officials.

She said: “We need you to come together, and galvanize yourselves as a community. We have trade desks in Embassies and Missions around the world. Once you’re able to fully articulate your demands, we can table them before Mr.

President, and also include them in our future negotiations with the Indian Government.”

The minister was in responding to a request for the federal government’s intervention in resolving issues being faced by Nigerian nationals who are trying to set up and run businesses in India.

UK Warship Arrives in Nigeria to Support Regional Maritime Security

A Royal Navy warship, HMS Trent, arrived in Lagos yesterday as part of its regional mission to aid allies and partners in driving down illegal activities including piracy and illicit trafficking.

The visit will help deliver

capacity training and support maritime security in the region. HMS Trent departed Gibraltar carrying an expert boarding team of United Kingdom (UK) Royal Marines and a Puma surveillance drone. HMS Trent’s mission is to support West

African allies helping countries to develop capability to fight illegal crimes at sea and ensure they can play an effective role in bringing stability to wider West Africa.

With around £6 billion of UK trade passing through the

region, part of Trent’s tasking is to support stability across the Gulf of Guinea through training to help partner navies take the fight to criminal actors, fostering ties and sharing knowledge, whilst conducting patrols to increase security.

ABCON Urges CBN to Grant BDCs Digital Autonomy for Rate Convergence, Others

The Association of Bureaux De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON) has called on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to grant Bureaux De Change (BDCs) digital autonomy to achieve exchange rate convergence.

In a report released yesterday, ABCON President, Aminu

Gwadabe, called on the apex bank to grant a no objection approval for the BDCs to fully go digital on all their operational correspondences. He said the move would bring about rate convergence, curb volatility in the market and promote economic growth.

According to him, ABCON

had in the past, led its members to achieve rate convergence in 2006, 2009, 2018 to 2020 before the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020.

Gwadabe said granting digital autonomy to the operators will lead to a true market rate discovery, enhance the achievement of the federal Government harmonized foreign exchange rate policies and

promote effective monitoring of BDCs transactions for statutory and regulatory requirement.

He said aside providing employment for over 40,000 employees within the sector, digital autonomy for operators will usher in transparency, accountability and ease of supervision.

ETOP UKUTT

Osimhen Fires Hat Trick as Eagles Crush Sao Tome to Win Group A

Duro. Ikhazuagbe

Victor Osimhen scored a hat trick in Nigeria’s Super Eagles 6-0 defeat of Sao Tome and Principe on Sunday evening in Uyo to top Group A of the AFCON 2023 qualifying round. The hat trick has now taken Osimhen who is a 2023 Ballon d’Or nominee’s total goal haul to 10 in the qualifying series.

Ademola Lookman, Taiwo

Awoniyi and Samuel Chukwueze scored the three other goals as the three-time African champions booked their ticket to the continental showpiece scheduled to take place in Cote d'Ivoire January next year as Group A champions.

Having drubbed São Tomé and Principe 10-0 in both teams’ first encounter in the Moroccan city of Agadir in June 2022, the Super Eagles, who had already qualified for the finals no matter the scoreline, were in no danger on the lush turf of Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.

They expectedly started on the front foot, in front of a capacity crowd of 30,000 spectators, but Semi Ajayi’s firm header off a corner kick by Kelechi Iheanacho in the second minute was punched away by goalkeeper Ronaldo Silva.

Silva was by far the busiest of the two goalies on the night, and had to be alert and active four minutes later as England-based forward Awoniyi turned and struck a fierce one inside the box. He would however, have no answer when Osimhen, with seven goals in five previous qualifying matches, rose above the defence to head in from close range off a corner kick by Lookman.

Awoniyi’s header missed narrowly three minutes later, but the visiting goal-tender again had to pick the ball from his net in the 27th minute when Lookman received a pass from on-field captain Wilfred

Ndidi and sashayed past two defenders before tucking it past the goalie for Nigeria’s second of the evening.

Seven minutes into the second half, Awoniyi had the crowd on his feet when he chested a flick by Iheanacho and blasted past Silva from close range.

Everything was on a roll and Osimhen scored his ninth goal of the qualifying campaign in the 70th minute, when he won and converted a penalty kick with Silva sent the wrong way.

With 10 minutes left, the goal king did his Ballon d’Or nomination no harm with a third goal after a flowing move that had substitute Samuel Chukwueze and Awoniyi contributing.

There was still time for Chukwueze to score a sixth, with five minutes left, after he was picked out by fellow substitute Victor Boniface on the left side of the visitors’ defence.

Osimhen deservedly won MTN’s Most Valuable Player of the Match award and pocketed the sum of N1 million, while Lookman was selected the Man of the Match and picked up a cheque for N1 million from Nigerian Breweries PLC.

Next up for the Super Eagles is a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Lesotho’s Crocodiles also in Uyo on 17 November.

*Guinea Bissau and Sierra Leone will meet today to complete the ground standings

GOtv Boxing Night 29: 'Golden Boy'll Fall Again,' Boasts Happy Boy

Fast-rising bantamweight boxer, Sodiq “Happy Boy” Adeleke, has boasted that he will defeat Opeyemi “Golden Boy” Ibrahim a second time when they face each other at GOtv Boxing Night 29.

The two boxers are scheduled to meet in one of the six bouts scheduled for the premier boxing event at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Indoor Sports Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos, on September 24.

Happy Boy earned a unanimous decision victory over Golden Boy in December 2023, at GOtv Boxing Night 27.

Speaking from his training base in Lagos, Happy Boy said he is confident of another victory over the familiar foe.

"I know him well. There's nothing to fear. I know he wants to get

revenge, but he will get another defeat. Maybe he thought my victory the last time was a fluke, but I will show him why the three judges gave me the match," he said.

Also scheduled for the night is a national female cruiserweight title bout between Celina "Pretty Assassin" Agwu and Bolatito "Black Tito" Oluwole. Taiwo “Gentle Boy” Olowu will face Ganiyu “Energy” Kolawole in a national welterweight challenge; Sifon “Best” Iwatt will battle Yusuf “Omowest” Mohammed, while Azeez “Latest” Ayobami and Emmanuel “Ability” Abimbola will duel in a national lightweight challenge bout.

GOtv Boxing Night will broadcast live on SuperSport Variety 4 (DStv ch 209) and SuperSport Select 2(GOtv ch 64 Channel).

UFC 293: How Strickland Stunned Israel Adesanya

Sean Strickland upset heavy prefight favourite Israel Adesanya to win the middleweight title at UFC 293 in Sydney, Australia

Spanish FA President, Rubiales, Resigns Over Kissing Scandal

Luis Rubiales has resigned as president of the Spanish Football Federation following criticism for kissing Spain forward Jenni Hermoso at the Women's World Cup final presentation ceremony. Hermoso, 33, said the kiss after Spain beat England was not consensual and she filed a legal complaintlast Tuesday. He released a statement saying

he had submitted his resignation to federation acting president Pedro Rocha.

"I cannot continue my work," Rubiales said on 'Piers Morgan Uncensored'.

The 46-year-old has also resigned from his position as vice-president of UEFA’s executive committee.

Rubiales claimed the kiss was "mutual and "consensual" but had

been provisionally suspended by football's world governing body FIFA.

"After the quick suspension carried out by FIFA, plus the rest of open proceedings against me, it is evident that I will not be able to return to my position," Rubiales' statement read.

"Insisting on waiting and holding on is not going to contribute to anything positive, neither to the federation nor to Spanish football."

early hours of Sunday.

American Strickland, 32, pressed forward relentlessly over five rounds, out-striking Nigeria-born New Zealander Adesanya to win a unanimous decision.

Strickland was only handed the title opportunity after an injury to fellow top contender Dricus du Plessis.

"Am I dreaming, am I going to wake up? Somebody hit me," said Strickland.

"Never in a million years did I think I would be here. I don't cry much but I'm trying to keep (myself) together right now.”

Adesanya, 34, was originally set to face Du Plessis after facing off with the South African following his win over Robert Whittaker in July.

That fight did not come to fruition after Du Plessis was injured, forcing the UFC to consider other options.

With Adesanya already having beaten fellow top contenders Jared Cannonier and Marvin Vettori, the opportunity was handed to Strickland, who is fifth in the middleweight rankings.Strickland came into the bout on the back of two wins, while Adesanya was making the first defence of his second title reign after emphatically beating long-term rival Alex Pereira in April.

Adesanya, competing in his 11th title fight, oozed confidence as he walked briskly to the octagon.

But, following an uneventful

start to the first round, the odds started to even out as Strickland dropped Adesanya with a clean right hand, sparking the contest into life.

The champion recovered to reach the end of the round, but in knocking down Adesanya, Strickland laid down a marker that many of Adesanya's former opponents had failed to set.

Adesanya started to land more consistently in the second round, peppering the challenger with leg kicks, but Strickland, as he would for the remaining rounds, continued to be the aggressor. And despite consistently pushing forward against a slick counter-striker in Adesanya, Strickland was able to avoid the majority of the champion's retaliations.

Victor Osimhen scored a hat trick in Super Eagles 6-0 defeat of Sao Tome and Principe in Uyo yesterday. The win takes Nigeria to 15 points as winner of Group A.

MISSILE

Ozekhome to Nigeria

“Nigeria is practising electionocracy, celectocracy, executocracy, legislatocracy, and judocracy, which played out at the Presidential Election Tribunal on Wednesday. Judocracy is a system of government where the people go to vote, but their votes may never be counted and when they are counted, they do not count. We end up conceiving, midwifing and delivering our presidents, governors, legislators in the bowels of our courtrooms instead of through the ballot boxes" –Human Rights lawyer, Mike Ozekhome, berating the country for not practising true democracy.

PAT UTOMI

GUEST COLUMNIST

This is a freedom manifesto for the captured people of Nigeria offered in autobiographical form.

Beginning from age 17 as an undergraduate at the University of Nigeria I have rallied resistance against injustice.

My early cry for doing things right peaked with my calling out students at UNN to protest police killing of University of Ibadan Student, Kunle . Given the emotions of the times when UNN students lost three years as they watched friends and family die like chicken while UI students were in class during the Civil war was a hard sell. But we joined forces with Bassey Ekpo Bassey and founded the Syudents Democratic Society because we prized human solidarity.

The mobilization and sensitization crested in February 1974 such that I forgot it was my 18th birthday. A statement by one of the speakers at about 8.30 extolling the historic significance of that day for post war emancipation startled me into realizing it was my birthday.

As with my rallying against June 12 election

GUEST COLUMNIST

President Tinubu

annulment from a hallowed position as an executive in Industry and my putting my life and career on the line to push back on the Abacha darkness, what was uppermost

in my mind was justice and what would flavor the environment for progress and the common good and not the applause of those around. I would do it if I walked alone.

I was seldom driven by the ‘popular’ appeal of the cause. In all the cases the dictates of a conscience I have struggled to form decently was the propeller. Now in the autumn of my time of being I am moved again to act to prevent a new slavery and deadly fascism I warned about in a book I first published in 2019. The subtitle of that book which rings true today is: Citizenship, State Capture, Creeping Fascism and the Criminal Hijack of Politics in Nigeria. As in 1973, and 1993 and now in 2023 many around me wonder why take the trouble when you can just ‘leave it’ and move on. Especially as age takes its toll. Why not leave struggle and rest peacefully until you go to rest I’m peace.

To retreat from truth because the flesh is weakening from the pressures of time, is to do injustice to one’s purpose and live St Paul’s fear regarding pursing the crown of life till the very end, lose the investment of a lifetime. One more season of inconvenience

can be accommodated if it will free the future.

When Nigeria set course to elect new leaders in 2023 I chose to suspend my disgust with what we call a democratic process because Mahmoud Yakubu sounded like he could be trusted to organize credible elections.. I also thought it was consolidation time on years of sometimes quiet and sometimes not too quiet effort to build a Third Force that could be the only real alternative in the Nigerian political party system.

Wearing my sense of Justice toga, as I believe Chief Ayo Adebanjo, President Obassnjo and a few others did, I thought that if a good candidate could be found from the South East, or Igbo speaking communities it would help project inclusion and strengthen the Nigeria project, as a similar view for the South West did in 1999.

But the affirmative action inclination recognized that the aristocracy of talent defines our times. Meritocracy was key and if those communities offered the run of the mill politicians who could not lead us away

Slavery is Not an Option JAUSHIEHU JOSEPH WU

Unite for Peace in the World and Taiwan’s Inclusion in the UN

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is a reminder of how autocracies care little about causing death and destruction. The war is a gross violation of human rights and the principle of peaceful settlement of international disputes as codified in the United Nations Charter, which has helped maintain the rules-based international order and kept the world in relative peace since the end of the Cold War.

The war’s humanitarian and economic fallout has also shown that in a globalized world crises cannot be contained within national borders. It is therefore imperative to deter similar threats to global security from happening elsewhere. Taiwan—a democracy that is home to over 23 million people and that I proudly represent—continues to confront enormous challenges posed by China.

Since the mid-20th century, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has vowed to take control of Taiwan and refused to renounce the use of force, despite never having ruled Taiwan. For decades, the people of Taiwan have remained calm in safeguarding the status quo of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. However, as China’s economic and military might has grown stronger, it

becomes increasingly aggressive in flexing its military muscle to intimidate Taiwan, thereby threatening our democratic way of life. This includes sending warplanes and ships across the median line of the Taiwan Strait and encroaching into our air defense identification zones. It has also intensified gray-zone tactics, such as disinformation and economic coercion, in an attempt to wear down our will to fight.

The PRC’s expansionism does not stop at Taiwan. China’s use of gray-zone activities in the East and South China Seas are designed to expand its power and substantiate its hawkish territorial claims. In addition to signing a security agreement with Solomon Islands in the South Pacific, the PRC has been securing ports for future military use in the Indian Ocean. All of these maneuvers are causing grave concerns that peace is becoming more difficult to maintain.

Ensuring peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is in everyone’s best interest. Half of the world’s commercial container traffic passes through the Taiwan Strait each day. Taiwan produces the majority of the world’s semiconductors and plays a key role in global supply chains. Any conflict in the area would have disastrous consequences

for the global economy.

In recent years, bilateral and multilateral forums have repeatedly emphasized that the peace and stability over the Taiwan Strait is indispensable to global security. While we can all agree that the war must be avoided, how to best do so requires inclusion, dialogue, and, most of all, unity.

The United Nations remains the best platform for global discourse. UN officials speak often of joint solutions, solidarity, and inclusion in tackling the pressing issues of our time. Taiwan is more than willing and able to take part in these efforts.

However, Taiwan continues to be excluded from the UN due to China’s distortion of UN General Assembly Resolution 2758. This resolution neither states that Taiwan is a part of the PRC nor gives the PRC the right to represent the people of Taiwan in the UN and its specialized agencies. In fact, the resolution only determines who represents the member state China, a fact that the international community and China itself recognized following the relevant vote in 1971. The subsequent misrepresentation of Resolution 2758 contradicts the basic principles upheld by the UN Charter and must be rectified.

The 78th session of the UN General Assembly, which will center on the theme “rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity,” is timely in light of a number of broad global challenges. For example, the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were designed as a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity. Yet the most recent SDG progress report showed that just 12 percent of SDG targets were on track, while progress on 50 percent has remained insufficient. And on more than 30 percent, we have stalled or even regressed.

While there are no easy answers, the first step is dialogue. As a truly global institution, the UN can serve as a champion of progress. We call on the UN to uphold its principle of leaving no one behind by allowing Taiwan to participate in the UN system, rather than excluding it from discussions on issues requiring global cooperation. A good first step would be to allow Taiwanese individuals and journalists to attend or cover relevant meetings, as well as ensure Taiwan’s meaningful participation in meetings and mechanisms regarding the SDGs.